Making New Year resolutions is fairly easy. We all have little things we’d like to change about ourselves whether it be cursing less or losing a couple of pounds. There are also much larger goals. Things that we want to do, such as running a marathon or visiting the pyramids. As I said, coming up with resolutions is easy, it’s the keeping them that is hard.

When it comes to advice regarding sticking to your new diet plan or cutting down on the alcohol there is plenty of advice out there. However the most important thing is to be positive. There is absolutely no point in attempting to do something that is going to make you miserable. If you love having a glass of wine, don’t give up alcohol. It’ll just make you sad and cranky. The trick is to create positive actions out of your resolutions.

The example of giving up alcohol is a good one so we’ll stick with it. If you’re a person who likes a drink, but is aware that maybe the quantities you consume a touch excessive then don’t quit outright. Giving up something feels negative, instead make a positive change to this part of your lifestyle. In this case it might be drink only wine and only ever a small glass, you never know you might start enjoying it more. You could stop drinking in the week, treat yourself over the weekend. Moderation is a far better and more enjoyable option than simply going all out cold turkey.

If you want to lose weight don’t ‘go on a diet’ and ‘join a gym’ unless you really enjoy these two activities. Try eating only Mediterranean food coupled with an active pursuit you really enjoy. This could be walking or dancing. It’s not about stopping. New Year resolutions should be about starting and embracing something new, not restricting and depriving yourself.

Being less ‘goal’ orientated is a good method of ensuring a positive outlook into the New Year. Technically resolutions by definitions are goals, but try to avoid specifics and you’ll be heading in the right direction. Don’t set yourself the target of weighing such-and-such by the beginning of March. Instead choose to be healthier, eat better, walk more and see what happens. You’ll be surprised.

Not setting definitive goals and eventually removing them altogether is an interesting process and can help move towards a happier and more positive lifestyle. Taking away expectation from tasks and just doing things because they’re enjoyable can have amazing benefits. And when you stop striving so much you’ll be amazed at what you achieve, and all without the angst.

Bob Andrews writes for the online gift company Find Me A Gift, experts in kooky presents. He also makes a cracking cup of tea.