It’s that time of year when we make those New Year’s resolutions…with of course the very best intentions and then find it so very difficult to keep. Did you know that statistics show that 80% of people have abandoned their resolutions to live better lives BEFORE THE FIRST WEEK OF THE NEW YEAR IS OVER!

So I thought to help you live a better life in 2012 and make your New Year’s resolutions long term, I would give you some tips on how to make the most of your aspirations, boost your physical, emotional and mental well being throughout 2012.

Firstly keep it real and WRITE IT DOWN! By keeping it real you remove a stumbling block before you trip over it. For example if in your resolutions you say you are going to spend a minimum of 2 hours at the gym every day it may be more realistic to modify this and say that you will spend a minimum of 4 hours a week at the gym, 2 of them with a trainer. By adding time with the trainer, you gain a solid prearranged appointment that you will not want to miss and by including a professional in your goal, the time spent is going to be more productive than without.

Secondly, then start working on the specifics one at a time and don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do every at once, get your routine up and running, then implement one change at a time, like increasing your “cardio fitness” resolution.

When goals are achieved, acknowledge your successes, tell friends and similarly with disappointments talk about them. And finally don’t beat yourself up…perfection is impossible. So if the odd obstacle comes in between you and your goal like the odd chocolate bar (or three) it doesn’t mean you have failed, just don’t eat any more! Don’t be discouraged if you fall off the track, get yourself back up and as soon as possible and back to your schedule.

So I hope that these tips will help you keep your 2012 New Year’s resolutions and help you be the best you!