> Dress for success

> Killing for honour

> Man marries four women

> Perfume do's and don'ts

> There's money in Mao

> Divorced via SMS

> Cape Town's Baby Expo

> Online sex users married

> US has stream dating

> Thinking about inking?

Today, 22 November 2009

Yesterday, 21 November 2009

› SACP attacks Malema

› Match-fixing stuns Europe

› JZ hails Miss World effect

› Henry offers replay

› No armchair ride for Boks

At the start of a new year, many of us vow to kick bad habits and begin a new and healthy way of life, but despite our best intentions we just don't manage to keep them. Why? Well mostly they are unrealistic. Here's how to make resolutions you can keep.

Be realistic

Make sure your resolutions are achievable and that you provide yourself with enough time for success.

For example, you cannot lose weight in a week and you cannot expect to go on a two-week detox after a hearty festive season.

Rather ease into it, and start cutting down on alcohol, sugar etc. rather than going cold turkey. The same goes for something like smoking — cutting down will be easier than just quitting altogether. Be kind to yourself and don't shock your body into it!

Don't go overboard

You may have many changes you'd like to make in the new year. But, too many resolutions may be too much to take on and set the stage for failure.

Trying to maintain an overload of resolutions will leave you depressed as beaten. Pick one or two things you would like to change and then when you have achieved those you can move on with some new goals.

Make a list

This being said, you might forget those other goals down the line, so make a list which you can tick off with pride once the goal is achieved.

Also keep a written plan of your goals include realistic timeframes. Remember, your goals are not written in stone. Establishing a plan allows you to check your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Make resolutions for yourself

Make sure your New Year's goals are what you want to achieve. Family and friends may be well-meaning in their advice. Unless you set goals that are meaningful to you, they are likely to fall by the wayside.

Get a helping hand

Sometimes, you need the help and support of family and friends to stay on track. Seek out those who can motivate you toward your goals, and be accountable for your failures. If for example your goal is to save money and you have not saved any money in the first month, then let them know, this way you are more likely to acknowledge the failure, and they might be able to help get you back on track.

Celebrate your success

Remember to pat yourself on the back when you have achieved your goal!

Good luck with your resolutions for 2009!