We all know New Year’s resolutions don’t exactly have a success rate like the All Blacks (which is an impressive 77.21% would you believe!). Studies have shown that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail – whoa that’s a lot.

Now I’m no resolution expert, but I think the reason for this epic rate of failure is unrealistic goals. From what I have experienced, it takes years of influence and subconscious messaging before someone is truly prepared to make a drastic change to their lifestyle on the spot, for good.

Setting realistic short term goals is a much more sustainable way to incorporate change into your life. This way you will see results much quicker and stay motivated. You’ll also have a clearer idea of what you need to do on a day to day/week to week basis, rather than committing to a larger goal and having no idea where to start, then stopping -like the 88% I just mentioned.

Don’t get me wrong, big hairy audacious goals are of huge benefit. But they can also be very intimidating, and require a huge lifestyle shift you may not be ready for just yet. Instead, try using these larger goals to visualise what a day in your life would be like once you’ve achieved that larger goal (this will help train your subconscious and keep you focused). Then actually achieve it by setting much smaller, more achievable goals you can tick off on your way.

By Mark Fordham