Get On and make your resolutions, Thursday 18th May is the new New Year

Forget New Year if you want to make a resolution - 18^th May is the best date to make a positive change, according to Dr Cliff Arnall, psychologist at Cardiff University. And here’s the formula to prove it:

M x O + B_h

(H+R)  x S

(M = motivation; O = opportunity; B_h = bank holiday proximity; H = increasing hours of daylight; R = reflection time; S = success)

Dr Arnall, a specialist in happiness, motivation and confidence, was the brains behind the ‘January Blues’ formula for the most depressing day of the year.  This formula results from a challenge by the “Get On” campaign to find the most positive day in the year to change your life for the better. The campaign encourages adults to improve their reading, writing and maths skills to ‘Get On’ in life and at work.

In devising the formula, Dr Arnall looked at all sorts of factors from levels of motivation through to the number of daylight hours and even bank holidays.

The Get On campaign is urging people to use May 18^th as an opportunity to take the first step towards improving their existing reading, writing or maths skills, or gaining a new qualification.

Skills Minister Phil Hope said:

“Spring is all about new beginnings, so what better time to take the step towards brushing up on your skills and changing your life for the better. At the beginning of the year, resolutions are often made but easily broken. This time of year can give us all a renewed enthusiasm for learning and the incentive to pick up the phone to find out more.

“If you are one of the millions of adults across the country who needs to brush up on their reading writing or maths skills, there are thousands of free courses available to help you. Improving your skills will not only help you in work and your day to day life, it may also give you the confidence to turn your ambitions into reality.”

For further information about the thousands of free courses available across the country call 0800 100 900. A free “Get On” DVD or video is also available from this number, featuring learners who have improved their skills and changed their lives for the better.

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For case studies of Get On learners, interviews and further information please call: Victoria Smith /Jenna Frost/Fiona Thorne on 020 7839 4321.