A new study has shown that many people, who make New Year’s resolutions to quit smoking and drinking are not able to stick on to their words for more than a week.
Those who attempt to quit smoking, stop drinking alcohol at home or eat healthier food would be far more successful if they got support. University of Hertfordshire researchers followed 2,000 people who made a two-week resolution and found that those who relied solely on their own willpower failed even before the halfway stage.
People who told their family and friends about their plans were far more likely to succeed. Just 26 per cent of those who relied on willpower managed to keep to their goal, but 35 per cent of those who tried other techniques had better success.
Other techniques found for success includes visualizing or imagining a better life once the goal is achieved.
It is important that we use as much advice and support to see us through the New Year commitments, remembering that overall simple small changes work better and are more achievable in the long run. 
