New year, new you. Really

There's nothing like Christmas overindulgence to convince us that it's time to become better, fitter, slimmer people. So on Jan 1 we resolve to give up drinking, adopt a macrobiotic diet, go to the gym and be in bed by 10pm. But within a week or two we're stumbling back from the pub at midnight, kebab in hand.

So in the spirit of goodwill to all, here are a few tips to help you make sure your New Year resolutions last longer than your Christmas decorations.

1. Ease your way in
January and February are cold, hard months, so don't make yourself even more miserable. If you start going to the gym, twice a week is fine to begin with. Similarly, two months on a new steamed tofu and wheatgrass detox diet may be a bit much for a system used to mince pies and red wine.

2. Set realistic goals
If you've never been a runner before, a 10K fun-run by the end of February is achievable. A marathon is not.

3. Focus on the positive
Don't think about how much you miss cheeseburgers or lunchtime drinking. If you fall off the wagon, just get back on and carry on.

4. Get help
Go on the same diet as a friend or train with a workmate — you'll have someone with whom to share the successes and moan about the difficulties.

David Higgins is co-founder of tenpilates.com