New Year's resolutions can be a great way of bringing about change in your life, establishing good habits and setting goals.

Maybe you want to start a diet, give up smoking, change your drinking habits, plan a new career or take up a new hobby.

Making that change in yourself can be fantastically good for your health, for your energy, and for your self-esteem.

Make a list of what you want to achieve and then set about making it happen. Dreams aren’t achieved by sitting around and waiting - they are achieved by getting up and working for them. If you want something badly enough you’ll be able to find a way to achieve it.

However it’s important to make your resolutions realistic and easy to fit into your usual life, otherwise you won't stick to them.

Split your bigger goals into smaller steps. Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated. Instead of focusing on losing 2 stone, say, focus on losing that first half stone. 

If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. It’s perfectly natural to have the odd slip. Just return to it and keep on doing it. Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Your new healthy habits will become second-nature in no time.

Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better or improve your health. Even better find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year's resolution and motivate each other.

Don’t accept defeat, even if it seems like it’s the only option. Look at the obstacles that others have overcome to be who they are, and to fight for what they think is right. Translate that into your everyday life and use that mindset to accomplish the things that you want to do.

For tips on making healthy lifestyle changes visit http://www.wales.gov.uk/Change4Life

You can also check out the local fitness clubs and classes on the Best of Wrexham website here: http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/wrexham/business-guide/popular/health-and-beauty

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