Well it's time to make those annual self-improvement promises again. But research shows that around 80% of people who make New Year's resolutions, fall off the wagon by Valentine’s Day. So how are you going to make a success of it this year?

The key is to take your resolutions seriously. Plan ahead, stay committed and remain focused.

Easier said than done I know, so here are my top tips on how to succeed after the New Year's celebrations and hangovers have faded, reality sets in, and you need to squeeze back into those work clothes again.

1. If you’ve got a long list of failed New Year’s resolutions hidden in your closet, then you need a fresh approach. Don’t pretend you’ll suddenly be a different person this year. If you want something different to happen in 2012, you need to do something different.
2. Honestly accept your current starting point and do a sanity check on what actually needs fixing. Look positively at the things you can change, rather than negatively lingering over the things that make you unhappy or problems you can't resolve.
3. Make changes that will comfortably fit within your current lifestyle. What do you need to do to get results without too much upheaval?
4. Don’t leap blindly forwards with your ambitions. Make a realistic plan that’s sustainable and achievable. Get some advice from friends or professionals to get you on the right track and stay motivated. Why not sign-up for an HA fitness class pass or some personal training sessions?
5. Finally, treating yourself to a new pair of trainers is a good motivational start, but make sure they don't look/smell new for too long!

Click below for some more HA fitness blog articles to help spur you into action for 2012:
 
New Year’s Resolutions…How to make and break them

Pleasure or Pain: What Drives You?