New year, new you? 10 top tips to make sure you stick to your 2025 resolutions

We've all been there, haven't we? A glass in hand with the remnants of fizz which has recently been raised to the new year, a stomach full of party food, and a nagging wondering of what the new year might bring? 

The new year brings with it a sense of optimism for us to be the best version of ourselves and set personal goals for growth.

Whether it's adopting healthier habits, learning a new skill, or improving your relationships, a well-crafted New Year's resolution can be a powerful tool to motivate us.

But…change can be hard. 

Millions of people set resolutions every January, yet only a small percentage stick to them beyond a few weeks.

The key to success lies not only in what you resolve to do but in how you approach it. 

Take a look at our top ten tips to ensure you not only set the right resolution for you, but you stick with it too. 

1. Don't be vague 

All great ideas start with a big plan…but the best ideas filter into specific achievements you can measure.

Don't just say you want to run more in 2025. Choose a realistic distance to hit, purchase the right gear, and dedicate a time of the week to hit the goal.

The more specific, the most you hold yourself to account. 

2. Measure in milestones 

Make sure you are able to recognise and celebrate the milestones you hit. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a resolution achieved. Allow yourself time to build habits and acknowledge the milestones you hit along the way.

Looking to lose weight? Celebrate the small non-scale victories like feeling fitter or wearing that item that's been hiding in the back of the wardrobe! 

3. Write it down 

While personal journaling isn't exactly a new trend, it is certainly under-utilised when it comes to keeping track of things. Consider journaling as a habit tracker.

Write down what you intend to do, and then write how it felt to achieve it to remember how far you've come. 

4. Make it time-bound 

A new year's resolution doesn't mean you have the whole year to achieve it…as lovely as that might be!

Give yourself some time-bound targets (and celebrations) to make sure you stay on track and see progress through the year. 

5. Hold yourself accountable 

It isn't always the easiest thing for people to do, but holding yourself to account is the key to unlocking growth. Whether you write your goals down or make specific targets, it won't mean anything unless you are ensuring you follow through.

Ensure you focus on accountability markers, which are key components that will make your goal achievable. 

6. Join a group 

If you are looking to find a new craft, start a sport, or learn a language, think about finding a local group to join.

Not only are you more likely to succeed in your goal, but you'll make some new friends along the way! Win, win! 

7. Make it personal 

Don't feel pressured to take on the same old resolution's that get chosen every year. Over 23% of resolutions are dropped in the first week of January alone!

Think carefully about what will benefit your lifestyle, what you have time to commit to, and what financial impact it may have. The more personal the resolution, the more important and relevant it will feel. 

8. Visualise success 

Practise optimism and visualise how your life changes when you achieve your goals.

Think about what you might be able to accomplish with your new skill or achievement and how that positively could impact you and those around you. 

9. Celebrate the wins 

…even the small ones!

Make sure you celebrate when you hit your milestones or accountability markers.

This will give you a positive boost for when you hit the big win and keep you feeling motivated in the meantime. 

10. Forgive yourself - there's always next year… 

When all is said and done we are all trying our best and sometimes even the best laid plans become a little derailed. Growth and achievement comes in all shapes and sizes, don't feel disheartened if it feels a little different as you move through the year.

Don't forget you don't have only one chance to make a positive change - even if that means starting over again, or where you left off. Keep going and feel good for trying!