"We’ve all been there,” says Kolosa Kokolo, Brand Manager of Savanna Premium Cider at Heineken Beverages. “January hits, and suddenly you’re staring at a list of resolutions that feel more like a chore than a choice. That’s why we’re saying, don’t overcommit—just try, because life is about balance.”

Savanna is starting the new year off with a new campaign that encourages people to drink responsibly. They have noticed that it's difficult to stick to our new resolutions, whether that is to drink less or not drink at all. That’s why Savanna Cider is shaking things up this January with #TryJanuary—a fresh, playful take on Dry January. Because let’s be real: resolutions are absolute, human nature is not.

This new campaign will have various promotions on shelves all over South Africa. With this campaign, the idea is to encourage people to try to make an effort—no matter how big or small—to explore new habits, skills, or goals. Doing this by enjoying their beloved crisp, dry, quenching taste of Savanna 0.0 Alc Free or Savanna Dry if they choose to do so.

What's the campaign about in essence? #TryJanuary is all about removing the guilt and adding a splash of fun to the New Year. Instead of pressuring yourself to achieve perfection, embrace experimenting with life. Not taking yourself too seriously this month as you begin to work on your new resolutions. Outside of that, the campaign urges everyone to be kind to themselves, celebrating every small effort as a meaningful step towards a better, more balanced, healthier life. Speaking to psychologist Tsholo Jood, I've been able to gain a few insights on how to maintain our New Year's resolutions.

The steps can be found below: 

Ditch the Rose-coloured glasses

Setting realistic goals is crucial. Sometimes our ambitions can be so vast that they overshadow the need for them to be achievable. It's important to take a step back and assess these goals to ensure they're challenging us appropriately without pushing us too far, as that could lead to a negative experience.

Celebrate the Small Wins

Rather than striving for perfection, focus on progress. Celebrate those small victories along the way, as these milestones will keep you motivated and propel you further toward your larger objectives.

Embrace your True Self

Self-awareness plays a vital role in this journey. Know where your potential personal challenges lie and make a conscious effort to leverage your strengths to overcome them to achieve whichever goal is set out.

Be Willing to Shift the Goal Posts

Adaptability is another key factor. While it's important to hold onto the essence of your goals, be open to adjusting your plans as circumstances change. This doesn't mean using challenges as an excuse to give up, but rather being strategic and flexible to maintain momentum in an ever-evolving environment.

Find Your Balance

In a world that often swings between overindulgence and strict abstinence, aim for equilibrium. Whether opting for lower-calorie choices, reduced alcohol options or healthier food options, see the start of the year as the impetus to cultivate habits for a fulfilling and sustainable life.

Savanna is proud to be able to encourage its audience and consumers to enjoy life in a responsible way.