How to Keep New Year`s Resolutions

New Year`s resolutions are about self-improvement and desire to have a better lifestyle. Whatever that `better` means to each individual, millions of us make plans, at the start of the year, in the hope that this time we will stick to our promises. I am wearing a dress by Chloé, my jewellery is from Missoma and a scarf is from Missoni.

Here are my 10 tried and tested tips on boosting the chances of holding on to our New Year`s resolutions:

1.       Less is more – make either one or a small number of resolutions, to increase the chances of keeping them alive when you return to your – usually – hectic routine

2.       Be specific – no point saying, you would be kinder to yourself. What does it mean? How will you translate this wish into action? Would that mean allowing 20 min every day for doing whatever makes you happy, for example reading a book, going for a walk?

3.       If you decide to repeat last year`s failed resolution, go for a different technique when implementing it. Repeating the same actions would inevitably lead to failure

4.       Write it down – committing it to paper will make it `official`; aid clarity and help you to revisit your promises often

5.       Give yourself permission to amend your promises throughout the year. Your circumstances may change; you needs may alter so no point sticking rigidly to something that is no longer relevant

6.       Involve others in your journey. If your resolution is health-related, talk to your GP or visit a relevant NHS website. There may be help at hand to inspire you, or services you could access that you don`t know about. If you want to write a book, join a local book club for support and for generating ideas

7.       Break your resolution into manageable chunks; decide what you want to achieve each month or each quarter

8.       Celebrate your achievements and reward yourself; it can be a new handbag as recognition of a specific milestone related to spending less and saving more. But don`t blow out your entire savings on a handbag!

9.       Make simple, life-enhancing promises like smiling when you wake up, even if you have nothing to smile about

10.   Organise yourself – if your resolution is to cut on sugary drinks, don`t keep any in the fridge. Or place a bottle of still water on your desk to drink throughout the day, if you decide to drink more water. If your resolution is to save more, don`t go into shops during your lunch hour. Spend it in a park, read a book, start a blog and blog regularly, but stay away from shops to avoid temptation.

Happy New Year!