As we enter the new year, we reflect on the past and choose a set of rules we say we will live the following year by - but in reality, how long do those resolutions truly last?

Surveys show that Brits who have previously stuck to their new year's resolutions, claim they were committed for approximately four and a half months. 34% stated their resolutions were maintained for between one and three months, while one in five individuals (21%) admitted their resolutions lasted less than a month. So what is the key to making your resolutions last the whole year?

Set realistic goals. People often make the mistake of setting overly ambitious goals, leading to frustration and abandonment. Divide larger goals into manageable, achievable tasks to obtain your overall goal and maintain motivation. Create a plan to have a structured approach and stay on track by regularly monitoring your progress, so you are able to celebrate small victories and adjust your plan if necessary. Stay flexible - acknowledge that life is unpredictable and circumstances may change. Learn from your setbacks, and dont feel discouraged when you encounter challenges. Most importantly, incorporate new habits gradually. Making drastic changes overnight which won't last long are wasteful and discouraging, so instead begin with small changes which you are likely to keep up, which also increases the likelihood of long term success! Now, while others may have plenty ideas of what resolutions they must make, others may be blank of thoughts. So what are the most common new year's resolutions?

In first place, comes exercising more. Regular exercise has many benefits such as boosting cardiovascular health, enhancing mental well being and decreasing risks of diseases. Individuals may be inspired observing family or friends setting fitness related goals, or view the end of winter as an opportunity take control of their fitness. Even making time to exercise at least once a week can have visible benefits and is a great form of fun!

In relation to exercising more often, people also try to encorporate healthier foods into their diets, and straying away from junk food - which can be very difficult. Eating healthier extends your lifespan, improves the health of your skin, teeth and bodily organs, supports muscles, boosts immunity, strengthens bones and aids in digestion. However, a strict diet can quickly fail due to lack of proper planning, unrealistic expectations and emotional eating. Completely cutting out your favourite food because it's unhealthy won't last long - instead find healthier alternatives, and occasionally treat yourself to the foods you won't have on a typical daily basis, so then you're enriched by a balanced diet and are less likely to resort to snacking.

The third - very valuable - resolution, is saving money! Some people have bad spending habits, leaving them with guilt and regret, only to repeat the same mistake soon enough. Tracking your income to understand your monthly inflow and outflow can lead to creating a realistic budget which allocates funds for necessities, savings and discretionary spending. I would also highly recommend building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Shop smart. By this, I mean look for discounts, compare prices before buying, and limit eating out as it can be expensive. The most important step: limit impulse purchases. Make shopping lists to take the time to consider whether a purchase is necessary before making it.

A really interesting, yet potentially frustrating, new year's resolution, is learning a new skill. People may choose to learn a new language in order to communicate with loved ones better, or simply for the convenience when travelling! Cooking is another useful skill to learn, trying out a new sport, experimenting with art, learning yoga or meditation for mental health benefits... the list goes on and on! People can quickly feel unmotivated when they face a challenge and aren't instantly good at a new skill. It takes understanding that anything that is difficult, is worth facing, and that once you overcome an obstacle, you will ultimately benefit from it.

In conclusion, the annual tradition so many people around the world partake in - new year's resolutions - is widely beneficial, if done correctly. It is an encouraging way to enter the new year, and make positive changes which enhance the quality of your life. Remember not to lose motivation when your resolution doesn't go as planned, but take it as a learning point. Happy new year!