I’ve been thinking a lot lately about New Year’s Resolutions. I have to admit I am definitely the type of person that is ‘roped’ in by the promises of a ‘New Year, New You’. I love the start of a new year, the feeling of opportunity buzzing in the air. I love all the ideas bouncing around my head – this year I’m going to do yoga, go running, learn Spanish, be more productive at work, see friends more often… all the usual stuff.

You can probably tell where this is going – it doesn’t always happen! But something I read recently sparked an idea. Trawling through some of the articles on New Year’s resolutions I found an interesting one which pointed out that ‘yearly’ resolutions are dangerous. They too over-ambitious and often leave you feeling like you have failed. Instead they suggest setting monthly targets instead – something smaller and more achievable, but still a habit you would like to kick…or kick start.

First up for January? Not particularly life changing (but then again I’m not focusing on life changing, but habit changing) is to give up crisps (my biggest weakness!) and cut down on TV. As I read the article and considered my resolutions I realised that right under my nose I had the tools to help me achieve my new lifestyle – The DoNation! What struck me was that I hadn’t necessarily thought about it before – but here was the way that I could focus on just one or two things a month and slowly work towards all the changes I want to make this year.

I immediately logged on and made a pledge to do ‘Do diet’ on our Giving Resolutions page and to do ‘Game off’ for Sinead Brophy, who has set herself the impressive challenge of doing a running race or similar challenge every month this year. By recording my pledges on these pages, not only have I made my commitment more public (especially after this blog!), and so putting more pressure on myself to keep it – but I will also benefit from a reminder email or two just as my willpower starts to wane.

Have you set any New Year’s resolutions that you’re worried about keeping? Perhaps we can help you to keep them… at least for a couple of months? Have a go at making a pledge and let us know if it makes a difference – we’d love to hear your thoughts!