Five resolutions you'll stick to this year

New beginnings

Seven million of us will make resolutions on 1 January, yet only 10% will stick to them. Here's how to make your good intentions a reality...

Last year: ‘Lose a stone'

This year: ‘Find a new activity I love'

If you didn't manage to shift those pounds last year, don't make it your goal in 2010. Repeating a resolution usually leads to failure, according to Richard Wiseman, professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, who has conducted a study on the subject. ‘If you've already tried and failed, you're setting yourself up for disappointment,' he says. Instead, make a positive statement such as, ‘I'll try something new'. While resolutions can damage self-esteem, according to mental health charity Mind, throwing yourself into a new activity boosts confidence. Belly-dancing class, anyone?

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