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[00:00.66] In a group of more than 1,000 people, scientists found the most popular resolutions involved exercise, weight loss and eating habits.

[00:15.80] Other resolutions had to do with self-improvement, personal finance, and ways to take care of mental health and to reduce stress.

[00:28.55] Among the 55 percent of people who said they had kept their resolutions after one year, nearly 60 percent of them had made resolutions involving goals.

[00:43.96] This is compared with 47 percent who chose to avoid behaviors.

[00:56.18] Involving others in your efforts might also help.

[01:00.16] Other people can offer support and hold you accountable.

[01:06.00] When we are held accountable, we are responsible for our actions.

[01:12.38] Someone who decides to start exercising more, for example, might join a running group or sign up for a gym class with friends.

[01:24.07] This can also make exercising more fun.

[01:31.50] Experts also suggest using planners to help you keep your resolutions.

[01:39.21] For example, you can plan your activities for a specific period every morning or evening.

[01:48.50] Use reminders and timers on your smartphone.

[01:52.22] And use group texts for group activities.

[02:00.46] Changing our behavior is difficult, so do not expect perfection.

[02:07.63] There will be times when it feels impossible to keep your resolution, and you will want to give up.

[02:15.86] “A great resolution might be, ‘I will be less judgmental with myself,’” said Tamara Russell of the British Psychological Society.

[02:28.08] “Research shows that the more we develop self-compassion, the more compassionate we can become towards others.”

[02:42.69] To better keep resolutions, Russell suggests reviewing each week. Ask yourself: what has worked? What has not?

[02:54.11] She said, “Study your own behavior like a scientist.”

[02:59.69] Russell added that we should not be afraid to change our resolutions.

[03:08.99] The last piece of advice might be the most important.

[03:13.77] If January 1 feels like a bad time to create a new resolution, make the changes when it makes sense for you.

[03:24.93] Russell said it makes “no sense at all” to make resolutions connected to the calendar year.

[03:32.10] Winter is usually a time of rest for much of the natural world.

[03:39.27] She said that spring is the season of growth and renewal.

[03:45.65] So, depending on your life’s situation, spring might be a better time for most people to make changes.