Contrary to popular belief, New Year’s resolutions are not just glorified ‘to do’ items for the first week of January.

Each year, around 69% of Aussies make at least one New Year’s Resolution but only around a quarter of us actually stick to our good intentions and achieve the results. 

Well, I say this year can be different. Here’s how to set New Year’s resolutions that actually stick. 

1. You’ve heard it a gazillion times before, but imma repeat it for emphasis. Write down your goals.

Unless you believe that the universe is telepathic, can read your mind and is going to send an abundance of goodness your way just by wishing and hoping, then it is time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and create a kick-ass plan in writing.

Truly, if you want to bring good things into your life, then it is time to get specific about exactly what is it you want. That way, when you achieve your goals, you’ll actually be able to take stock and be appreciative. 

^^ Purchase this on Etsy ^^

If you’re like me and need pretty things to help keep you organised, then try these: 

  • Kikki.K make drool worthy diaries and notebooks in which to write down your dreams. These beauties help keep you inspired whilst your work towards your goals (and also make killer christmas presents for friends). 

  • Evernote is a cloud-based software program that can sort all of your life notes. (I tend to lose hard copy items so I keep all my notes on Evernote and it has changed my life). You can write down your new years resolution, add short term objectives, sync your objectives with your calendar and share the note around with your best friend, dietitian or Instagram community as they can help you stay on track.

  • Create a background for your computer that reminds you of your resolution. Try using Canva to create awesome designs for little to no cost. Every time you open your computer, you’ll be reminded about the bigger picture and inspired to take action. 

Writing the perfect New Year’s Resolution doesn’t need to be hard. Use these questions to help you make new years resolutions that actually stick:

+ What do I want to change and by when?
+ Why must I make this change?
+ What are the steps I need to take?
+ Who can support me?
+ How will I motivate myself? 

^^ Kikki. K 2015 planner ^^

2. If you’re looking to achieve something challenging like losing weight, exercising more or quitting smoking, get help from the experts. 

My new years resolution for 2014 was to better understand why I struggled with my weight for so many years. I decided to seek extra help to make sure I achieved my results – and I did.

Having that support from a professional made all the difference for me and I don’t regret investing money in your health and happiness. Find the right people to surround yourself with and you can make it happen. 

3. As in all things in life, moderation is key. Avoid extremes and be specific. 

Truth is, when we go to the extreme, we are setting ourselves up for failure. The world is made up of at least 50 shades of grey and not just black and white.

Avoid setting yourself goals you can’t (and probably don’t want to) keep forever such as: 

  • “I will not eat any sugar in 2015”

  • “I will exercise every day”

Try rephrasing your resolutions to be more practical, realistic and more moderate. Set yourself practical ways to achieve your goals with specific action items. For example:

Instead of “I will exercise every day”…

  • Try, “I will move my body 5 days a week by walking to buy my groceries, catching up with friends for a walk instead of a drink, taking the stairs where possible, meeting my friend at the gym…” 

To summarise, New Year’s is such a fantastic time to realign what you want and make a kick-ass plan to achieve it. Make the most of it by: 

1. Writing down your goals
2. Get expert help
3. Avoid extreme and be specific

In the meantime, Merry Christmas, Happy Channuka and…