How to use psychological strategies to ensure your New Year's resolutions won't fail

Some 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. It’s not more willpower you need but the right psychological strategies, say experts

A brand new year is on the horizon, and millions around the globe are considering what we would like to change and improve in the new year. Our goals might range from getting fitter to learning a new skill or cutting back on alcohol but achieving them will require tenacity and perseverance.

We used to think that all we needed to make or break a habit was more willpower. We also thought willpower was something some of us had and others didn’t. We subscribed to the idea that if we belonged in the latter group, there was nothing we could do about it.