Yvonne Galloway is a frequent contributor to the ACAP. We invite you to add your thoughts as we want to include lots of general interest articles.

New Years Resolution. Oh no I hear you groan is that time of year already? At some point in our lives we will all make and probably break them, so why bother? The definition I found states an N.Y.R as “ a commitment that the individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit that often times is a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous” Sounds good on paper but what is the success rate.

If you peruse anyone's list of resolutions you will no doubt find most of us have similar hopes and aspirations. Lose weight, get fit, budget better, quit smoking or drinking, reduce stress, apply for a better job, volunteer, be kind to my mother-in-law!!!! Joking aside what prompts us to approach the same commitment each year knowing that like last year we may not achieve the outcome we had hoped for.

History and optimism both play a part in this annual ritual. We can look to the Year 153 BC and the mythical roman King Janus. He allegedly had two faces which offered him the advantage of being able to look back on events and also forward. He became the ancient symbol for resolutions and was often found on doors and entrances which enabled him a good view of the comings and goings of all in sundry. Many Romans looked to him for forgiveness from enemies and exchanged gifts to sweeten up anyone they may have wronged. When Caesar developed the solar calendar in 46 BC he named the first month Janus in his honor.

If we look to other religions and cultures we find that New Year does not fall on the first day of January. Chinese New Year adheres to the lunar calendar and starts Feb 12th: Year of the Sheep. This celebration lasts for days and it is seen as a time to cast aside grievances and grudges when oranges and money are given for good luck.

On the Christian Calendar we have Lent that starts Feb 17th and lasts for 40 days. This is time for reflection and self discipline not unlike our New Year resolutions.

Rosh Hashanah in September is a time for introspection to look at mistakes and make positive changes . Apples drizzled in honey represent a sweet new year.

January in Lima we have the start of beach season and what better time to become abstemious (but almost impossible with all the December events) when you need to look good on the beach or Asia boulevard.

So how does one achieve said goal of keeping to your resolution longer than the first week.

1. Make only one
2. Plan ahead
3. Avoid previous resolutions
4. Be Specific
5. Gather support

Not surprisingly men and women differ in their approach to tasks and the results vary. I shall not comment on who the victor will be. Men do better when they set goals and women do better when they go public. Happy New Year and Good Luck with those resolutions.