New Year New Me

So January's arrived, and you've got a list of new year's resolutions as long as Blake Lively's hair. But how do you stick to them? Read our handy hints to help you to be the new you in the new year, without quitting by the first of Feb...

1. Don't: Be unrealistic

You might be tempted to make all kinds of ambitious resolutions, whether it's climbing a mountain or bagging Harry Styles, but the trouble is, being too ambitious could set you up for failure. If you want to be better with money, for example, rather than saying "I'll stop shopping completely", say "I'll only buy one item of clothes a month." That way you won't feel guilty when you do splash a bit of cash, plus you're less likely to buy unnecessary items if you're limited to buying one special dress rather than twenty new tops.

2. Don't: Make too many resolutions!

It might be impressive to have a list as long as your arm of new year's resolutions, but not only will you get so overwhelmed by them all you'll struggle to stick to them, you'll probably forget what you've even promised you'll do! The best thing to do is pick a couple of key ones, which will be easier to focus on. That way you're more likely to stick to them.

3. DO: Pick resolutions with a realistic time span

You might want to grow your hair long or save for a Mulberry, but if you've got a pixie crop or only a fiver in your purse, the chances are you're not going to achieve your goals any time soon, which means you'll probably give up and find yourself back in the hairdressers or with a different handbag by the time February comes. See your resolutions as a checklist, so if you want to grow your hair throughout 2012, have a monthly 'hair change' list, so in January you could try plaits, Feb try updo's... you'll find loads of fun ways to make your hair fantastic and it'll distract you from the annoying 'growing out' phase.

4. Don't: Try to change who you are

Before you try to become a loudmouth, even though you're shy or a rock chick even though you love pop, remember that resolutions are about making small changes to improve yourself rather than revamping your whole life. If you're shy, take things one step at a time by forcing yourself to talk to new people or smiling at your crush rather than putting your head down when he walks past. Resolutions will be harder to stick to if you try to overhaul your personality, so instead make subtle changes to make you the new and improved version of the old you!

5. Do: Get others involved with your resolutions

Sticking to resolutions can often be harder than choosing your fave member of The Wanted, but if you get others involved in your plans you'll find it much easier to stick to your goals. Want to take up a new activity? Get your bezzie to come along, and you'll be able to hang out while learning a new skill, plus you'll be less likely to skip sessions if you know you're leaving her to go it alone. Alternatively, Channel 4 have come up with a fab way of helping you to keep to your resolutions- New Year Revolution . You sign up online, decide what you want your challenge to be, and every day for 31 days, they'll set you missions to complete. Once each one's done, your progress gets marked on a 'Wall of Achievement' so you can see how well you're doing. Plus, you can even link your account up to your Facebook and Twitter, so you can share your missions with your mates and they can encourage you! What are you waiting for? Head here now to get your mission on!