It’s part and parcel of the New Year’s ritual – an annual attempt to start afresh and turn over a new leaf. Kim Dalli takes to the streets of Valletta to find out which resolutions are the most popular... before the fireworks have fizzled away and all good intentions are forgotten.
Robert Camilleri, 48, from Gudja
“My new year’s resolution is my usual one – to try to quit smoking. But I never manage to accomplish it. I aim to become a better person, and help others more.”
Antoinette Cassar, 62, from Żurrieq
“I always try to set myself a couple of targets for the new year but never end up keeping them. I would love to go abroad, but money’s the problem. That’s my wish – I would love to go abroad, despite my fear of airplanes, I’d still go.”
Anthony Busuttil, 44, from Valletta
“I always make countless resolutions but I never last long. However, this year I plan to date more and I also plan to stop tearing more tights as I’m fed up of always ripping them [Mr Busuttil is currently playing the Dame of the Catholic Institute’s pantomime]. I want to behave, to try to look after my money, to avoid driving behind slow drivers and to also take better care of my diet.”
Alexia Debono, 33, from Żejtun
“I try to coordinate any lifestyle changes with the beginning of the new year. I’m aiming to watch my diet, to be more fit and to spend more time with my family.”
Mario Micallef, 65, from Valletta
“My new year’s resolutions are the same old ones, which I never manage to keep. I’d like to cut down on work and hopefully become less nervous.”
Erica Micallef, 28, from Fgura
“I’d like to cut down on sweets and to adopt a more positive outlook.”
Photos: Paul Spiteri Lucas
Are New Year’s resolutions an exercise in futility?
New Year’s Day resolutions are not required if change is truly desired – we’re just romantic.
According to clinical psychologist Edward Curmi, by the end of January, 70 per cent would have already forgotten (or would have chosen to forget) their resolution.
“The reason why they don’t normally last is because you can’t use the new year as an excuse for change – you have to really mean it because you truly believe that any change is for your own good.”
Dott. Curmi explained that the presence of ‘secondary gain’ is what hinders individuals from reaching their goals.
Secondary gain is a person’s hidden reason for holding on to an undesirable condition or behaviour; it is the unconscious ‘no’ we tell ourselves.
“For instance, I may want to have better relationships but in truth, I don’t love myself and am consequently unable to form healthy relationships,” he said.
“Every day should be a new year. Write your goal down, and stick it to your bathroom mirror where you can see it each morning. Remind yourself of your target, think deep and understand what is truly hindering you.”