What are you going to give up this year? Are you going to make a New Year’s Resolution to abstain from something you consider bad for you?
Most people make the decision to stop a habit which they know is bad for them but the success rate is dismal. According to various sources around 80% fail to stick to our goals.
The top ten failures for last year are below but not necessarily in this order:
- Get fitter and healthier
- Drink less alcohol
- Lose weight
- Get out of debt
- Stop smoking
- Find a new job/change career
- Spend more time with friends/family
- Start my own business
- Travel more
- Find love
However, we still continue to make them each year and history shows that this is nothing new.
Religious origins
The ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts.
The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named.
In the Medieval times, the knights took the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry
At watch night services, many Christians prepare for the year ahead by praying and making these resolutions.
Other religious have similar traditions. During Judaism’s New Year, Rosh Hannah, through the High Holidays and culminating in Yom Kippur, (the Day of Atonement), one should reflect upon one’s wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness. The practice of New Year’s resolutions partially came from the Lenten sacrifices. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self-improvement annually.
Dry January
The latest vogue in self-denial is that of sobriety. Last year over 2 million people cut down their drinking for January.
The Charity, Alcohol Concern is promoting the campaign and hoping that in 2016 more people than ever will join in and reap the rewards.
From significant health benefits including weight loss and better sleep, to more money in your pocket – what have you got to lose?
You’re more likely to stick with it and feel the benefits if you sign up, so take the challenge, banish the booze and feel like a new you.
With the latest health statistics showing the huge increase in A & E visits due alcohol abuse, this resolution looks a good one to go for.
Stop Smoking
Of course the best decision you can make if you are a smoker is to stop! No other sacrifice can come close to improving your health and finances. But this seems to be the hardest to make but surely the most rewarding if you can kick the habit.
Whatever and however you plan to improve your life let’s hope that 2016 has a better success rate.
