Many of us make resolutions at the start of a New Year but fail to keep them.

You stand a better chance of realising an aspiration if you work out exactly what you want and how to achieve it. I use a technique called 5W + H, which can be adapted to most situations. The letters stand for Who, What, Why, Where, When and How. Begin with a statement reflecting each one.

Who is not just about you. Clarify what support you need from others and who is affected by the change.

What clarifies the change in a sentence.

Why states the reason for the change. Clarifying that might result in a different solution.

Where might be a physical place or the impacted aspect of your life such as home, work or social environment.

When is a deadline or series of deadlines, depending on how complex the change is.

How is a plan, listing the steps you need to take.

Hopefully this will help you keep your resolution in 2020.

Happy New Year.