New Year resolutions. Worth it or waste of time?

Poor you papaoscar, do hope feel better soon - good excuse for a hot toddy?

Having picked up a stinking head-cold on Christmas Eve I am only just getting over it. Taste and appetite vanished, energy levels plummeted, aches and pains surfaced, apathy reigned and sleep has been the only respite. On reflection have I stumbled on the perfect New Year diet? Be bold, get a cold!

I don't make resolutions but I have a jobs list which I may convert to a GANTT chart. I know I'll do it all then. I really like to be organised! It also means I can relax as I know what's scheduled so can veg out with a clear conscience! Don't hate me. I can't help it!

Same old stuff, lose weight, I will achieve this by adding a teaspoon of cumin to my daily yogurt, a study in Iran has shown that those who have done this lose weight quicker. I suppose I will have to eat less as well, bother! and move about more, still trying to achieve the 10,000 steps a day but have been fallen short of achieving this lately, so back to the gym next week.

I am also going to throw more things away like half used bits of make up that are languishing in various make up bags around my bedroom. I've inherited a collection of old albums and 45s so I'm going to see if I can sell them on ebay, I've never used ebay before, so it's good to have a new experience for the New Year.

I think that the occasional new years resolution is a good idea.
So long as it is accompanied by enough self will.
A half hearted resolution is no good at all.

Can't keep resolutions, and by mutual agreement DH and I gave up the 5:2 diet over the Christmas and New Year period. We are starting again when the last of our house guests arrive and depart next week.

I do find myself reviewing the past and looking at the future at this time of year but I rarely come to any momentous conclusions.

Yep nonnanna - I am a chocoholic and have not had a fix for three years. Difficult initially, I craved chocolate all the time but feel so much better now.

appygran You cut out chocolate three years ago and lost three stone! That was some resolution, however did you keep it? I would have been on my knees begging for it...chocolate I mean! Totally agree with those on here, change things when you realise they need changing and moderation sounds so much easier than elimination. Now.... where did I put the Maltesers?

I found giving things up on New Year's Day wasn't very successful as I was usually recovering from the New Year's Eve celebrations. So I switched mine to my birthday which is in mid-January. I would tell myself I was doing it as a present to myself and found it much more successful.

I kept the one I made 3 years ago to cut out chocolate and have lost three stones along the way. Generally though I do not make new year resolutions and will not be making any this year. I make changes as and when I need to, but do not always keep to them.

durhamjen - I'm with you on the one glass of wine a day issue. Medication means I can't have more than one, so for years now, I've had one some time in the early evening. I know it's daft, but it somehow compensates for never being able to get a bit tidily along with everyone else

What happened there? I meant to copy this:
Yes, all or nothing as regards eating would be rather too drastic!

New Year resolution: must concentrate more.

For instance, why not moderate a particular behaviour rather than try to eliminate it? although a 3 day fast might help me in the New Year

Well done, djen - a good resolution.
Does drinking wine count as a fast?

I went to the GP's surgery on Friday, and was very annoyed by the implication on the screen that one glass of wine a day makes you an alcoholic. So I resolve not to give up wine in January.

Yes, all or nothing as regards eating would be rather too drastic!

For instance, why not moderate a particular behaviour rather than try to eliminate it?
I think you can moderate the way you eat, but with smoking I think it is all or nothing.

I kept to the one I made 42 years ago - to stop smoking.
It's no good resolving to diet from the 1st January as there will still be some goodies left over, so 1st February would be more realistic imo.

And slimming, and quitting smoking, and exercise.

Notice the huge surge in interest in the word diet at the beginning of every new year.

Why? Don't understand?

This is an amusing graph.

I think making resolutions at New Year puts pressure on people to achieve them at what might not be the most opportune moment.

I feel it is much better to resolve to do/not do something when you are in a "good place" emotionally. To try and give something up, for instance, when you're feeling stressed or depressed may well lead to failure and reinforce feelings of powerlessness.

Also I think some people tend to set themselves targets that are too high. For instance, why not moderate a particular behaviour rather than try to eliminate it?

NY resolutions never last with me - like most other things - so perhaps a mid-year resolution or two?

Well, being a member of the 'started but never finished club' ( knitting projects etc) and on the grounds that I WILL make a start but won't manage a whole year......
I am planning a dry January