Family, friends help fulfilling new year resolutions: research

London, Jan 6 (UNI) The best way to stick to new year resolutions is to let your family members and friends know about them as their advice and support can make wonders, according to a new research.

The study conducted by Professor Richard Wiseman from Hertfordshire University, UK indicates that seeking group support and advice can provide a significant boost in shunning bad habits and sticking to annual resolutions, particularly for women, the Times reported.

After conducting a survey on 3,000 people, he found that gender plays a role and that women are particularly successful if they tell their friends and family about their resolutions, or are encouraged by others not to give up after they have relapsed.

''Women might be reluctant to tell others about their resolutions and so they benefit more from the support provided by friends and family once they have made their goals public,'' says Professor Wiseman, the author of the bestselling book, 'The Luck Factor'.

On the other hand, men get better results if they set goals .

They do better if they get support in the shape of wise and timely advice. Males are significantly more likely to achieve their aims when encouraged to engage in goal-setting (such as losing a pound each week, rather than trying to lose weight in general).

''Men may be more likely to adopt a macho attitude that results in unrealistic expectations, and so goal-setting helps them to achieve more, '' he added.

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