To Make Resolutions Or Not To Make Resolutions

It's said that with age comes wisdom... or, maybe not.

In my case, too many years of failing at new year's resolutions by January 15th made me stop bothering.

But studies show people who explicitly make resolutions are ten times more likely to achieve their goals than those who don't make resolutions. So, like many of you, I'm back to making resolutions and trying to go to the gym, get fit and lose weight (especially the five pounds I gained over the holidays).

Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against our success. Some studies show as few as twelve percent of us achieve our goals.

One piece of advice from the studies: we are more likely to succeed if we set specific targets, such as losing one pound a week, instead of the broader goals of losing weight or going to the gym regularly.

So, with the optimism that comes with the new year, I will hope the old saying is right, and that if at first you don't succeed, try, try again; even if it's the twentieth time I've tried and tried again.

Good luck with your resolutions... please keep your fingers crossed for mine.