In a less than startling result, a recent survey by the organisers of the Sydney 2009 World Masters Games has revealed that in the last year, 45% of people failed to make a dent in any of their New Years resolutions. The numbers just aren’t too good; 11% broke all their resolutions by the end of the first week on January that number rose to 25% by the end of January.

Well we’re all jack of resolutions hitting the dust so we’re going to help you out a little. We’ve short listed some bloody good tips to give you a better than average chance at getting your New Years plans to stick.

Whether you want to lose weight, chase more tail or save more green, we’re here to help!

1. Be realistic about it all

Don’t shoot for the furthest reaches of the heavens friends. Always set your goals realistically; that doesn’t mean you can’t go for broke, just don’t aim to be the Academy Award winning, opening batsmen for the national squad by the end of 2009… you most likely will not be. But you can aim to top score for your local club and chase that lead in the local theatre company’s production of Rent… sweet!

2. Have a clear plan

No point hitting half eleven on New Years before you start thinking about resolutions. If you really want to make changes in your life then most likely you will have identified them long ago. Know the areas on which you will work in 2009 and go into the year understanding the job at hand.

3. Have a battle strategy

The greatest threat to your success will be temptation, so it is imperative that you acknowledge the challenge and prepare to fight it. If you’re giving up the smokes you know when you’re next out friends might be sucking them down, so be ready. In this smoking example, maybe have a distraction like some gum ready, practice positive reinforcement, think the scenario through and remember the negative end result, try to see past that immediate hit. The bottom line is to know what you are going to do when that moment of temptation presents itself.

4. List the pros and cons

Sit your arse down and get real. Writing things out can sometimes give you a little more focus than just carrying plans around in your scone. Make the good and bad list and get some perspective going into the new year; maybe you’re not actually ready to tackle this year’s issue, a pros and cons list should spell things out for you.

5. Get it out in the open

Wax lyrical with anyone who’ll listen. It’s so very easy to bust a resolution if there’s none about to shoot some shit your way should you bail on your goals. The fact is no one likes to look like a dick, so, as vain as it is, we’ll actually stick with things to avoid losing face… and in this case that is actually a positive. So shout it from the roof tops, let friends in on the plan and use their interest and motivation.

6. Reward your good work

The only reason we have resolutions is for the rewards, whether that’s a guilt free slice of chocolate cake or a general sense of well being when a cigarette addiction is behind you. Just don’t kid yourself into thinking you’ve killed the devil because Lucifer plays dead real well. Remember the work you’ve done to get this far and know that all these good results can be undone with a dash of apathy.

7. Record your progress

Every resolution must be tracked, like the pros and cons, a progress list will help with motivation. If things are going well the results are right there… you’ll be inclined to continue kicking arse, however, if things aren’t going quite to plan, the numbers will be there, no lying needed. Hopefully that will be all the motivation needed to turn things around.

8. Don’t beat yourself up

You’re not mother Theresa so when you slip, (and it’s entirely likely you will, because you’re human) be cool. It’s not over; you’ve not wasted all that hard effort, just get back on the wagon the next day and continue your good work. If you’re into self sabotage and defeat then you’re likely to buy into this kind of negative logic; again, recognise your personality traits and prepare to deal with moments of weakness.

9. Hang in there

The reason so many resolutions fail is because these new behavioural patterns are alien to us at first and the experts say this will be the case for a while. The general thinking is it takes 21 days for a new activity to become habbit and about 6 months for the habbit to become part of your personality. So lean into you’re resolution and stick to it.

10. Try, try, try again

Like so many of us, you may find yourself patching up busted resolutions by late January, early Feb if you’re made of stronger stuff. Remember, there’s no reason you can’t start a fresh resolution any time of the year, in fact kicking off after the chaos of News Years may actually work for you.

Got any other tips to help your fellow life changers? Drop some of your wisdom below in the comments section!