We all start the year off full of ambition and energy, determined that This Year is the one where we’re finally going to pick up good habits and kick bad ones.

A quick Google reveals the complete unsurprised that the most popular resolutions are around diet, exercise, giving up smoking, being better with money – all the things we tend to worry about at 3am (just me?). But what we tend to forget is that when the clock hits midnight, we’re still the same person, with the same thought patterns, busy lives, and, let’s be honest – excuses (still just me? Nah, admit it).

The not so well-kept secret is making goals achievable. Yes, it’s pleasant to go for a run on a warm, light summer’s evening, but probably not quite so appealing in the middle of August when it’s pouring. And Dark. And you’re tired. Perhaps consider that.

The other part of the secret is actually yes, achievable, but also; fit for You. If your last serious commitment to running was Year 11 cross-country, magically achieving a commitment to run 3 times a week is, possibly, yeah nah. So maybe aim for a One Tree Hills sized resolution rather than an Everest.

The good people at the World Health Organisation have realised this too. Like us at the Y, they’re moving with the times (yes, we know the dance, no, we don’t play it at meetings), and have changed their recommendations. Their recommendations focus on ‘being active’, in the ways that works for people. If you’re not going to achieve 30 minutes every day (which, not everyone is) – how about ONE decent workout a week? Or, rather than ‘be better with money’, start with ‘take some extra time to decide before you buy something’ – maybe those yellow jandals aren’t quite as cool 24 hours later (guilty).

So this year, rather than assigning your new years resolution to January’s motivated (and imaginary) you – give them to your real, honest self. And be part of that 8%.