Resolutions — or just broken promises?

QUITTING smoking, losing weight and cutting down on booze top the list of New Year’s resolutions.

Sorting out finances has also become a popular resolution for 2010 thanks to the effects of the global recession.

But research shows that more than half of all resolutions made on December 31 most will be broken within a week.

Reporter DAWN MARSDEN and photographer ANTHONY MILLER hit the streets to ask Oldhamers if they planned to make a resolution.

Mike Cumiskey (49) from Chadderton is resolving to lose weight and keep fit in 2010 but he’s going to avoid the gym in January.

He said: “I make the same resolution each year and usually stick to it within reason. I am already a member at a gym but it’s always packed in January then quiet in February when everyone has given up on their resolution so I’ll wait until then.”

Ronald Bunting (76), from Uppermill, never makes resolutions any more as he has broken too many in the past.

He said: “I don’t bother promising to give anything up as I never stuck to it so didn’t see the point. If I was going to make one I would say losing weight would be top of the list. I tried countless times to stop smoking at New Year and never did it but finally managed it at a different time of the year. If you are going to do something why wait until January.”

Margaret and Brian Beckett from Moorside have also given up making resolutions after failing to stick to them in the past.

Margaret said: “I will probably try and lose weight but I say that every year so I doubt I will stick to it. I’m usually okay until I start on the cream cakes and sweets. I try my best but resolutions never work for me.”

Brian added: “There is no way I am making one because I have tried and failed too many times in the past.

“I successfully stopped smoking once I tried doing it at a time that wasn’t New Year. I think resolutions are a waste of time.”

Lisa Garlick (39), from Ashton, hopes to curb her drinking in 2010 after she successfully quit smoking last year.

She said: “I resolved to stop smoking last year and I managed it for four months before starting again on a girls night out. This year I want to stop drinking as much and I really think I’ll be able to stick to it. I’ll be partying less in 2010.”

Julie Whittaker (51), from Hollins, hopes 2010 will be the year she ditches the fags for good after smoking for 36 years.

She said: “I have tried hypnotherapy and acupuncture but nothing has worked. I really want to stop this year and I will not buy anymore after the packet I have now.

“I have made resolutions in the past and stuck to them. If I put my mind to something I usually stick to it — apart from quitting smoking.”

Kath Phillips (50), from Grasscroft, wants nothing more than to be happy in 2010.

She said: “I would like to stay happy for the whole year so this is one resolution I hope I can stick to. I usually say I will lose weight but never stick to that — this one is much easier.”

Daughter Nicola White (28) added: “I am not making one this year and I don’t usually bother.

I used to resolve to go on a diet but never stuck to it so I stopped bothering. Resolutions can be good but it depends on the person and how motivated they are.”