AS January comes to a close, how are you succeeding with your New Year's resolutions?

If you did decide to make some, chances are that by now they're gradually falling by the wayside. Why do you think that is, why do you think so many resolutions fail within the first few days and weeks?

Here are four points to consider which will help you assess your motivation and desire to commit to positive changes in your life:

* Are you setting goals for yourself? Ongoing commitment to improvement comes from doing something which enthuses and energises you, which motivates you even during the tough times. When other people try to force, demand or guilt-trip us to change it can cause resentment and even rebelliousness. Far better to want something because it's right for you.

* Be sure to pace yourself. You may be determined to stop smoking or drinking as much alcohol, want to lose weight or manage stress better. Some people can succeed all in one go, but others prefer to cut down, make gradual adjustments to their lifestyle and get used to the new regimen. Pace yourself and make changes that suit you best.

* Remember to give yourself credit. Each refusal of a cigarette, drink or cream cake, each visit to the gym or finishing work a little earlier is a success. Congratulate yourself on your new habits and change in mindset. Enjoy how good you feel.

* Are you hard on yourself if you occasionally slip up? Treat yourself with kindness and simply start again. There's no need to wait for the next New Year or even the next new day. Get back on track immediately.

It can be tempting to tell ourselves "it's not worth it", "it's too hard" or "I can't do it", but these four pointers support better understanding and self-awareness. When we're clear about our needs we're better placed to introduce positive changes into our lives, changes for the better. Then we can introduce things that we're able to fully commit to and so set goals that have meaning for us.

Susan Leigh is an Altrincham counsellor and hypnotherapist.

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