KICKING off a series of articles looking at how to make the most of 2017, the Advertiser's features editor, Maxine McCreadie, looks at some of the positive changes you could make to your lifestyle in the next 12 months.

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MAKING New Year’s resolutions when party season is still in full swing is the easy part.

Surrounded by pigs in blankets and glasses of fizz, we wax lyrical about the new fitness regimes we’re going to begin, or the vices we plan on quitting.

If your resolutions have circled around losing weight and feeling good, then why not look into joining your local slimming groups or fitness classes.

Making the decision to lose weight is the easy part, sticking to a plan of action is in fact the most daunting and sometimes isolating thing about it, making the resolution trickier to keep.

With friendly groups that encourage everyone to lose weight in a healthy manner, this could be your year to make positive changes.

But perhaps you find yourself uninspired by the recycling of resolutions, and would prefer to invest time learning a new skill.

Regardless of your age, profession or gender, there’s never a wrong time to try something new.

Whether it’s a talent that will add another string to your professional bow, a skill to keep the mind active, or simply a creative endeavour you’ve always wanted to try, life is too short to put it off.

If you would like to explore new creative avenues, there are lots of local classes aimed at beginners right through to improvers that will teach you the essential skills to start out.

Have you wanted to test your brushstrokes and try your hand at painting? Or perhaps the idea of transforming your wardrobe with your own sewing or knitting skills appeals?

Maybe you’ve been inspired by the upcycling trend and would like to upholster your own furniture; or find your inner wordsmith with a creative writing course?

Whatever the creative venture, there are sure to be classes available to meet like-minded people and learn the initial skills.

You don’t know until you try, and it could fuel a lifelong passion.

Alternatively this may be the year to focus on where you want to be career-wise.

Whether you’re looking to step up the career ladder, switch professions or hope to improve your current job performance, there are lots of different avenues you can venture down.

The necessary skills will depend specifically on the job, but learning a new language, IT or design skill will benefit a smorgasbord of jobs.

The key when choosing a new skill to benefit your career is to take time to consider your goals.

Research the skills you will need to reach your target, and set aside weekly benchmarks to ensure you’re getting enough practise.

With evening and weekend courses making it possible to squeeze in classes amongst busy working weeks, there’s no excuse not to peruse the options available.

Broadening your knowledge and skillset will have countless benefits.

As well as the aforementioned career prospects it can open up or personal achievements it can bring, continued learning is also proven to help with mental functioning in old age.

According to Harvard Health Publications, it is believed that advanced education may help keep memory strong by getting a person into the habit of being mentally active.

They suggest that reading, joining a book group, playing chess or bridge, writing your life story, completing crosswords or jigsaw puzzles, pursuing music or art, or getting green fingers in the garden will all help the mind stay active.

Building and preserving brain connections requires continued practise, so make 2017 the year you invest in your future skillset.