With research showing that 43% of people expect to give up their New Year's resolutions by February, it's important to make sure that yours is realistic. Over a third of all New Year's resolutions are fitness-related, so we're here to help you make the best New Year's resolutions for 2018 and to stick to them!

How many New Year resolutions can you have?

You can make as many New Year's resolutions as you like. Different people have different goals, but your resolution should reflect something personal to you. Whether it's to take time off and live your life or to simply switch off your phone in the evenings, you want your resolution to be something that will change your life for the better and encourage you to lead a healthier lifestyle. That's why so many people have fitness-related resolutions, with 38% of people resolving to exercise more and 33% wanting to lose weight. 15% of people also decide to take up a new skill or hobby, such as cycling or signing up for a triathlon. For even more ideas, here are 50 New Year's resolutions and how to keep them.

How did New Year resolutions originate?

The first civilisation to be recorded as celebrating New Year was the Babylonians 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians are credited with originating New Year's resolutions at the beginning of the new crop year. They held a massive 12-day festival in which they made promises to the gods to pay any debts and return borrowed items. From here, making a new year's resolution evolved into what we know today as making a pledge to do something good in the new year. 

When do New Year's resolutions end?

You are the one to decide how long your New Year's resolution needs to last. When making a goal, it's important to make sure it has a realistic time scale otherwise it is much more likely to fail. Instead of vowing to 'exercise more', trying saying 'I will run a 5k within 6 months'. This is something that has a time frame on it and is measurable so it will be much easier to keep to. Your resolution doesn't have to last the entire calendar year, it could be building up to a specific race or event or just an ongoing pledge to be more positive in life. 

How often to New Year's resolutions fail?

More than half of all new year resolutions fail. Make sure that you stick to yours by making them specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time sensitive. By creating what's called a SMART goal with these qualities, you are far more likely to succeed and stick to your resolution. Think about what you want to achieve in 2018 and put pen to paper. If you want to lose weight, set a goal like "I will lose 5kg in 2 months by going running twice a week and hitting the gym twice a week." This goal is specific as it has a numerical value, it is measurable because you can weigh yourself to keep an eye on your progress, it is achievable as it is a healthy amount of weight to lose in that time, it's realistic, and it has a time frame of 2 months. This is therefore a resolution that is unlikely to fail.

To be extra sure that your resolution won't fail, tell your friends, family, and co-workers about it. This adds an element of responsibility as they will ask you how you're getting on and you may feel more guilty if you do not stick to it! It also means they can help and support you if you are struggling.