Apparently only one in ten of us sticks to our New Year’s Resolutions, although here at The Simple Things, we favour Could-Do Lists rather than strict rules and ideas that work at any time of year, rather than piling the pressure on all on one day.

These tips will improve your odds of making your could-do list happen… whenever you choose to do so…

1 Resolve to make a change that you want. Success is more likely when driven by internal, rather than external forces.
2 Focus on one thing. Scientists have shown that willpower requires energy. Channel it well.
3 Be specific about what you want to achieve, when and how. You’re more likely to succeed than if starting with a vague plan.
4 Tell those around you. In a study, more than 70% who sent weekly updates on their goal to a friend reported success (compared to 35% of those striving alone).

And here are a few ideas for things you might want to add to your 2025 Could-Do List…

Mix a great martini
Book a trip somewhere on your bucket list
Read a book by an author you’re unfamiliar with
Spend a day wildlife-watching… birds, badgers.. it’s up to you
Have a small party for no reason at all
Spend time outdoors every day
Learn a new craft
Get a penfriend or strike up a correspondence with an old friend
Go on a ‘pilgrimage’ to somewhere meaningful for you
Use local ingredients to make a local recipe
Watch a film in the open air or at a drive-through
Keep a diary for a month and keep the habit if you enjoy it

This blog was first published in December 2018. You’ll find a Could-Do list in every issue of The Simple Things. Buy this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe