Have you made your resolution?
New year’s resolutions have been traced back to the ancient Romans and medieval eras. Read up on some of the local residents who have followed suit, as well as those who have chosen not to take on the annual tradition.
WITH the new year celebrations comes a time for reflecting on the past and planning for the future, which is often accompanied by the tradition of making new year’s resolutions.
New year’s resolutions have been traced back to the ancient Romans and medieval eras, where people made promises to their gods during January and the Christmas season. In modern times the annual tradition has become synonymous with failure.
A study conducted by psychologist, Richard Wiseman in 2007, indicated that 88 per cent of people fail at their annual promises despite feeling optimistic about achieving their resolutions.
His study also suggested that men were 22 per cent more likely to achieve their resolution if they set measurable goals, while women were 10 per cent more likely to succeed if they shared their goals with family and friends.
Despite the bleak odds suggested by the study many local residents have still decided to try and improve their lives with the start of the new year.
