The New Year always starts with a flurry of excitement. We tell ourselves this year I’m going to do better, do more. But even with the best intentions the promises we make to ourselves are always the easiest to break.

But getting outdoors more should be on everyone’s New Year’s resolution list. There’s a plethora of science out there that shows the health benefits of doing just that –  read the story ‘Age has nothing to do with it‘ to see what I mean. Besides the ability for exercise and fresh mountain air to boost fitness and mental well-being, there are few more invigorating, life-affirming (and low cost) experiences than climbing a hill or mountain, tramping through a forest and immersing yourself in nature – even if just for a day, or half a day.

If you’re anything like me, and the anecdotal evidence I’ve seen and heard from others suggests you are, you probably don’t get out as much as you would like. That’s why this year I’m setting a specific goal – a winter trip to Tongariro National Park. According to a 2007 motivational study, men achieved their goals 22 per cent more often when they engaged in specific goal setting. Women succeeded 10 per cent more when they made their goals public. So, by sharing that goal with you, and others, it should take more than an eruption to prevent me going.

What are your plans for getting into the outdoors in 2013? If you need some inspiration, we’ve come up with 12 resolutions which will make the coming year your best ever in the outdoors.

Draw up your list for things you want to do, share it with a friend – or better yet, drop me a line and tell me – and good luck. May 2013 be your best year ever in the outdoors.