New Year's resolutions remain difficult to stick to

AUSTRALIANS are stuck in a New Year's resolution time warp - making the same healthy pledges each year, but failing after just a week.

AUSTRALIANS are stuck in a New Year's resolution time warp - making the same healthy pledges each year, but failing after just a week.

Losing weight, more ­exercise and eating healthily have been at the top of resolution wishlists since 2008 and star again in 2014, research commissioned by FebFast has found.

Our growing list of health concerns - including technology addiction - has led the month-long alcohol detox to be widened in 2014.

FebFasters can now opt to cut out sugar, caffeine and limit their time spent on digital devices as part of the charity challenge.

More than half of Australians fell off the resolution wagon this year (56 per cent), and 46 per cent only kept them only for a week, the research found.

Most blamed a lack of willpower, the lack of a plan and bad habits creeping back for giving up after seven days, while 13 per cent admitted their goals were unrealistic.

But there is a silver lining - Victorians are the best in the nation at sticking to resolutions. FebFast Ambassador and psychologist Collett Smart said to be successful in breakingbreak unhealthy habits, people first needed to ditch the term "resolution".

"I hate that word, I would encourage people to set new 'goals' because people expect to break resolutions.

"People set themselves up for failure by making goals that are completely unattainable, and out of line with the person they really are. If you are trying to make some behavioural changes, it's best to take small steps," Ms Smart said.

For PR consultant Sara Zucchi, 27, giving up booze for FebFast is going to particularly difficult given the temptation of an alcohol fridge at work.

"I'm getting married in March and I want to lose some weight, and I thought not drinking wine should help sort me out,'' she said.

"I probably drink six or seven glasses of wine at work a week, and December has been a heavy alcohol month. I think I will struggle.''

Chris Zeiher, 39, a sales and marketing manager, was interested in seeing the changes to his wellbeing and bank balance after 28 days with no alcohol.

"It will tie into my fitness goals for next year, I'm getting a personal trainer,'' he said.

Families are being encouraged to register together in 2014 and take on a different challenge each. Funds Money raised helps young people battling drug and alcohol addiction.

Go to FebFast.org.au to sign up.

MOST POPULAR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

1. Do more exercise

2. Eat healthier

3. Lose weight

4. Save more

5. Be happier

6. Reduce the amount of stress in my life

7. Get organised

8. Spend less

9. Learn to do something new

10. Spend more time with family and friends

[e-mail]