Making good habits stick

More than 80 of people who make resolutions in the new year break them by February. But there are ways around this sad stat, according to the writer. Photo: 123rf.com

Why is it so hard to make good habits stick? It’s a safe bet that everyone reading this column will have fallen at the first hurdle at least once in an attempt to make some sort of lifestyle change.

Whether it’s losing weight, learning a new language, cultivating inner peace, or picking up a new skill, these all seem like the best ideas when they first pop into our heads. But when it comes to the crunch, putting in the effort can feel like too much hassle. Even the commitment to a New Year resolution that will make a positive change in our lives rarely lasts long – around 80% of people give up by mid-February.