Professor Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire found that men and women have different styles when it comes to following through, The Guardian reported Friday.

Men are more likely to succeed when they set specific goals -- losing a pound a week, say, rather than resolving generally to lose weight. They also benefit from focusing on the rewards of success, like becoming more attractive by losing weight or exercising more.

Women tend to stick to their goals better when they tell everyone they know what they are trying to accomplish.

The worst way to succeed is to adopt resolutions at the last minute instead of planning ahead.

Wiseman and his team found that the resolution most likely to be followed is to enjoy life more, with 32 percent succeeding at that. It was followed by improving physical fitness, 29 percent; losing weight, 28 percent; becoming better organized, 27 percent; quitting or reducing drinking, 25 percent; and quitting or cutting back on smoking, 24 percent.

--
Copyright 2007 by United Press International
All rights reserved
--