New Year's resolutions 'are way to a better life'

Dubai/ Abu Dhabi/ Fujairah: It's that time of year again when everyone is talking about their New Year's resolutions, but do they actually stick to them?

Resolutions are generally made with the intention of getting rid of your bad habits and making a general improvement in your lifestyle and well-being. But do people really make resolutions because they believe they can make a change in their lives - or do they think they should make one just because everyone else is.

In a recent Gulf News poll, 37 per cent of respondents said their top New Year resolution for 2009 was to get fit, 22 per cent said it was to repay their debts, 16 per cent wanted to find a job, 14 per cent wanted to find true love and the remaining 9 per cent wanted to quit smoking.

City Talk took to the streets and asked residents if New Year resolutions were worth making, or if people merely made resolutions because they thought it was the thing to do.

Mailyn L. Omandam, operations manager, 26, said: "Resolutions are very personal things and their relevance depends from one person to the next. As for me, I think they are a good practice and I usually will make a list of things I want to achieve and others I want to change or avoid."

Ritu Sawani, an Indian homemaker, 52, said: "The purpose of making a New Year's resolution is to improve your life. When I was younger I used to make them all the time, but now I do not make them anymore because my life is perfect now. I think the youngsters these days need to do it."

Anna Buce, a sales representative, from the Philippines, 29, said: "They are very important because sometimes we want to change a habit and do not know when to do it, so this time of year is the best. I make a resolution every year and stick to it because I do not want to keep making the same mistakes."

Sanjay Gupta, a business manager from India, 45, said: "I think making resolutions could be a good way of making a new start in the New Year. I know some people will make resolutions and not follow up on them but for me I feel I need to carry it through because otherwise I will have a guilty conscience."

Mohammad Sarhan, an Egyptian hairdresser, 39, said: "Last year was pretty unlucky for me. My resolution was to save as much money as possible and to open my own salon but I fell into debt. I work over 14 hours a day and am saving as much money as possible, and still have hope that if a person works hard for what they want, they get it. I do not feel people bluff about that, those who make resolutions really do try to stick to them, they just do not come true, and that is another story."

Mayat Dungo from the Philippines, 55, said: "It is important to make a resolution each year so you can look forward to a dream or wish in the year ahead. My resolution for 2009 is the same one as last year's - to try to save as much money as possible and stop investing in unnecessary products."

Anwar Hussain, an Indian hotelier, 58, said: "I have already given up smoking and that was my New Year's resolution. They are perfect for drawing up plans for your new life. It should be done to help you make personal achievements and to take the next step in life."

Sarika Aidasani, from India, said: "It is always healthy to wake up one day and follow your dream and have something in mind for the New Year. I was planning to follow a healthy diet in 2009 and start a new healthy year.."