How to make positive New Year's resolutions you'll want to keep

by Mark Mason

New Year's resolutions don't have to be drudgery. Mark Mason, novelist and author of The C Words, reveals how to create positive resolutions

When it comes to phrases that send a chill down the spine, 'New Year's Resolution' is up there with 'Income Tax Return' and 'my mother's coming to stay'. But that's only because your resolutions are the unpleasant things you spend the whole year trying to do anyway - 'lose weight', 'stop smoking', 'be nicer to Karen in accounts'. The things you never get round to, bizarrely, are the things you'd really enjoy. How often have you vowed to see the Pyramids, or learn Italian, or watch Casablanca ... then done nothing about it? This New Year, why not make those your resolutions? Here are our timely tips for some positive planning:

1. Document your determination. Don't just make vague mental promises to yourself - write a list of the things you're determined to do by the end of 2006. Between Christmas and New Year is a good time for this - not only will it distract you from the rubbish telly, you'll be able to think back on all the things you didn't manage to do in 2005. These can form the basis of your list. Once it's ready, put the piece of paper in your handbag. You can literally carry your inspiration around with you.

2. Categorise your choices. Separate the treats into sections. This will ensure variety, and make sure you've always got something different to look forward to. For example, under 'entertainment' you could put films you've never got round to watching, books you keep meaning to read. 'Travelling' obviously would cover places you want to visit (either out of town or locally), 'education' the evening class you're going to do?

3. Flex your flexibility. Put down more resolutions than you need - say, 12 - then vow to do at least nine of them. This will allow room for manoeuvring later on.

4. A first for the first. Give yourself an easy starter for New Year's Day - the first tai-chi movement to practise, the first piano chord to learn, the first chapter of Pride and Prejudice to read. This will get you into the habit right from day one. It'll also give you a sense of achievement, which is a wonderful cure for a hangover.

5. Plan with a partner. Get a friend to make her list too. As the months go by, you'll have the fun of sharing your progress with each other. You could even combine items - you've always meant to learn French, with her it's wine-tasting. Cue a week in the Loire Valley ?

6. Eliminate the expense. Some of your resolutions might mean spending a bit of money - swimming with dolphins, for instance, doesn't come cheap. But how much is a paperback book? A trip to an art gallery? A bread-making kit? Make sure some of your options are low-cost. That way you'll be able to carry on the fun without breaking the bank.

7. Timetable your treats. Set out a plan for achieving your resolutions. This doesn't have to be exact - just a rough indication. Say you've listed nine things: aim to achieve at least three by the end of April. This'll stop you getting to December with your count stuck at zero. Remember, the whole point of this exercise is that you never get round to the things you know you'll enjoy - vow to make this year different.

8. Hold onto the habit. Momentum and mice have something in common - they breed quickly. The more you do something, the more you want to do it. Once you've ticked off the first few items, you'll find yourself eager to achieve the rest - and who knows, maybe even add to the list as you go. Life isn't a rehearsal - this is showtime - so get on that stage!

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