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 2012. 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?

Last year: ‘Give up smoking'
This year: ‘Get the support I need in order to stop smoking'

According to Mind, you're more likely to stick to any resolution if you plan it carefully beforehand. That includes smoking. ‘If you've failed before, you have a far higher chance of success if you opt for a different approach this time,' says Professor Wiseman. Set your quit date with a friend and visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree. You can sign up for the free Together Programme and choose to be supported via regular mail packs, texts, emails or phone calls. If you'd prefer to attend a local group, there are 150 NHS Stop Smoking services in leisure centres, doctors' surgeries and high-street chemists throughout the UK, or you can call the helpline on 0800 022 4332.

You might also like...

10 stop-smoking aids to try

Last year: ‘Sort out my finances'
This year: ‘Save for something special'

Mention the word 'finances' and your heart can slump, but by giving yourself a specific (and desirable) goal to focus on you immediately feel more positive. Professor Wiseman says women have a 10 per cent higher chance of success if they make resolutions public­ so team up with a friend and support each other. Be sure to reward yourselves each time you reach a mini-goal, such as having saved £100 which you could have frittered away.

Last year: ‘Be more organised'
This year: ‘Change one thing'

First, identify the bad habit­ such as leaving paperwork strewn all over the place. Then set up a new system to tackle it. ‘Think small, easy and specific,' suggests Sue Kay, author of 'No More Clutter' (Hodder Mobius, £8.99). ‘That'll give you the boost to keep going. To stay motivated, decide beforehand what your reward will be and focus on that.'

Last year: ‘Be healthier'
This year: ‘Make one small lifestyle change'

If it's not specific, it's not do-able. A vague statement such as ‘be healthier' doesn't mean anything, so is hard to live up to. Something like, ‘Run for 20 minutes on Mondays and Thursdays' is clear-cut and achievable. Or how about, ‘Take a healthy packed lunch to work.' It will make you more organised and save you cash and calories. Three resolutions in one? Now that's worth sticking to!

Don't miss..