New year, new happiness - how to make your New Year's resolutions a success

Eating healthier, finally quitting smoking or incorporating more exercise into our everyday lives. Every year, we make new resolutions that are just waiting to be realised. Statistically speaking, New Year is a wonderful time to set new goals. It has been proven that resolutions made on New Year's Day are more likely to be realised than those made at any other time.

Today we give you tips on how to make good intentions work.

Set smart goals

You're probably wondering what exactly smart goals are. The answer is quite simple.

S for specific

M for measurable

A for achievable

R for realistic

T for timed

Define your goals precisely. The more precise the better. Make sure that your successes are measurable. For example, you can define exactly whether you want to lose three or five kilograms. To avoid ending up in frustration, it is important to set goals that are achievable. It is better to set yourself several small goals than one that is too big. Also define the time frame in which the goal is to be realised. Bear in mind that changes are usually more effective than bans. Don't try to break your habits by force. Instead, look for new, healthier habits.

Inaugurate the perimeter

Once you have set your goals, be sure to tell your family and friends about them. The more people who know about it, the greater the urge to keep your promise. If you are tempted to break your resolution in front of those around you, ideally discourage your loved ones from doing so.

Don't forget to reward

We tend to be far too hard on ourselves. So don't forget to reward yourself for the great work you've done so far. The reward will strengthen your stamina and reinforce your motivation.

With all the good intentions, something very important often gets lost:

You are perfect just the way you are. The small changes should come from the heart and not be based on the idea that you are not good enough.

As a meditation teacher once said:

"You are perfect as you are, with the need of a little improvement."