This January, swap unachievable annual goals for year-round, positive change. Rosie Green shows us how…

In Christmases past, when I was ninety percent cheese with a twitching eyelid courtesy of 24 nights out on the trot, the idea of new year’s resolutions was very appealing. As I popped in another Twiglet, I offset any guilt by comforting myself that I would become a lean, clean, exercise machine in a few weeks’ time.

The idea of new year’s resolutions dates as far back as the Babylonians 4,000 years ago, but the concept as we now know it – to self-improve and counter Christmas excess – emerged in the mid-20th century.

As a fashion-magazine alumni, I know the ‘new year, new you’ idea is deeply appealing to our psyche. In January, our readers loved a clear goal (even if it wasn’t achievable). Headlines like ‘Get fitter/leaner/healthier/supermodel abs by next week!’ made issues fly off the shelves.

I fully bought into this, too. Relished the thought I was going to become a whole new person as the clock ticked past midnight on 31st December. I also liked being part of the ‘new me’ gang – a whole collective of us swapping mince pies for juicing and sweating it out in spin classes together.

Truth: I didn’t ever get fitter or leaner by writing that list on 1st January. But, as I get older and wiser, I have learnt a few things. One of them is new year’s resolutions do not work.

In a plot twist, over the last few years I have become healthier and fitter than ever before. And this is mainly because I better understand how my brain works. So, if you are looking to make some changes, here are the simple strategies that helped overhaul my life. I hope they help you, too:

Understand that daily behaviours are mainly powered by the sub-conscious. For instance, I know reverting to unhealthy eating habits feels comforting and familiar, so I make it easy to opt for more nutritious choices. I limit processed, high-sugar foods in the house and have prepped, healthy meals ready to heat up.

My life changed when I found a personal trainer, because it was a date set in the diary each week that I had to attend. Plus, she forced me out my comfort zone and made me work in a different way. I know this is expensive, but if you can stretch to it your body will thank you.

I hear you, it seems impossible impossible to fit exercise into a busy life, but sit down and look at your diary. What can go? And if the gym is miles away or that yoga class is always booked, find an alternative that is doable.

Co-opt a friend, or your partner, into sharing your healthy goals. We are very strongly influenced by others in our environment, so find someone who can dig up motivation when you are lacking it.