New Year's Resolutions

How many times have you made resolutions only to break them by the 5th January? What's the point, you ask yourself each year? Well, after the excesses of Christmas and New Year, a little discipline can't be all bad. Here are some of the most popular resolutions and how you can stick to yours.

Most of the time people tend to make resolutions about their health — losing weight, eating better, quitting smoking, exercising more and drinking less. For some advice on how to stick to the top resolutions visit New Year's Resolutions.

But willpower is key - you must want to give up or make a change. The quickest way to resolution-failure is give up or take up something that you feel you should do, and not that you want to do. This is especially true of smoking and drinking, when a partner or friend persuades you to cut down. Fine in principle, but you have to want to give up otherwise it just won't stand the test of time.

The same goes for exercise. There's no point joining a £50-a-month gym on a 12-month contract only to stop attending by the end of January. However if you're fully committed to a new year of pounding the treadmill why not try one of these national gyms Fitness First, LA Fitness, or David Lloyd Leisure.

If you're trying to kick the nicotine habit have a look at Giving Up Smoking for some top tips. Smokers for example should avoid bringing cigarettes to work and not take 'fag breaks'. If you know that a cup of coffee gives you a nicotine craving, try decaf coffee or avoid it altogether. Failing that try nicotine patches.

If you want to eat better, make a weekly trip to the supermarket to stock up on fruit and vegetables, rather than picking things up at the corner shop. For more advice on how to lose those extra pounds, why not try the seasoned pros at Weight Watchers?.

And if you want to cut down on the boozing, limit your nights at the pub — do you really need a pint every day? Hmmm, didn't think so. For some guidance on sensible drinking have a look at the Portman Group site.

So be proactive and who knows, 2005 could be the year you actually find success.