THE BEST INTENTIONS

Having trouble sticking to your New Year’s resolutions? You’re not alone. Here’s what you can do instead

- NICOLE NASSON & MAXINE PETERS

WHICH one did you go for? Did you swear you’d lose weight, get fit or cut back on the booze?

And now we’re almost two months into the new year, and all your good intentions have flown out the window. . .

Let’s face it – New Year’s resolutions can be difficult to stick to. And a fascinating new study from Sweden has revealed the main reason.

One of the biggest determining factors is whether you have a positive approach to your goals rather than it being about negative avoidance.

Researchers at Stockholm University and Linköping University followed 1 000 people over 12 months and found that having “approach-oriented goals” – such as committing to exercising or making specific healthier eating choices – was more effective than having “avoidance-oriented goals”, which meant focusing on giving up certain things, such as alcohol, sweets or chocolate.

The study found that the group of participants who made approach-oriented resolutions had a higher success rate – 59% – than the group who made avoidance-oriented resolutions – 47%.

The study also found that not seeing results quickly is another reason people quit their resolutions a few weeks in.

But whether you’re about to lose your resolve or have already abandoned your goals, it’s not too late. Simply change the way you think and start again.

Here are some tips on how to shift your perspective.

ASSESS, ADAPT, OR DITCH

Don’t just choose a goal then get on with your life and hope for the best.

“Be intentional about making time to reflect,” says Cape Town counselor Kelly Jacobs.