YOU SAY YOU WANT A RESOLUTION?

History tells us that the Babylonians are probably responsible for the tradition of new year’s resolutions, going back about 2,500 years with a custom to return borrowed farm equipment at the start of a new year, which began in March or April in the lunar calendar.

The Romans introduced the practice of giving gifts, and changed the date to January in honour of Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions, who could look forward and backward at the same time. The Christian church moved gift-giving to Christmas, but the idea of the new year as a new beginning stuck, and from there it was a simple step — all right, a giant leap — to making vows to quit smoking, lose weight and otherwise turn over a new leaf.

Alas, it is easier said than done. Studies suggest about half of us make resolutions, and three-quarters of those fail to keep them. One reason psychologists give for the high failure rate is that people aren’t ready to change their habits. Their resolutions are unrealistic and out of sync with their view of themselves. Dashed expectations that changes made Jan. 1 will transform their lives can lead to frustration, so that by the end of February the resolve is gone.

Goal-setting theory postulates that goals must be SMART, an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Therefore, a resolution to lose weight would be better framed as a goal to lose 10 pounds by April 1. A resolution to read more could be reset as a goal to read one book each month. For those who have never exercised but resolve to, consider walking 10,000 steps a day.

Some psychologists recommend that people focus on one resolution. Others dismiss the whole notion of resolutions, arguing that they simply encourage cheating.

A bit of web surfing turned up simple resolutions that promise a healthier, happier life. Our favourite, from Eileen Guo at inverse.com, is change your sheets at least once a week to hold allergens and fungi at bay. The gross factor should help you keep that one.

Finally, resolve to return the farm equipment — or other stuff — you borrowed from your neighbour. Happy new year.