I GUESS we’ve all done it – embraced a heap of New Year’s resolutions only to let them clatter from our grasp before January was out.

This cycle of unrequited ambition follows, of course, in an old and venerable tradition. The Babylonians made promises to the Gods at the start of each year — that they would return what they had borrowed and satisfy their debts.

The Romans pledged promises to the God Janus (after whom January is named) and medieval knights took the ‘Peacock Vow’ shortly after Christmas to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.

Watchnight services instigated by John Wesley continue to provide a Christian backdrop to the opportunity to commit to resolutions for the months ahead. There cannot surely be a single worthy endeavour known to man that someone, somewhere, sometime has not signed up to on the cusp of New Year’s Day. The fact that so many fail to meet these commitments is a reflection not just on misplaced optimism or the eternal allure of lofty ideals but perhaps on the diminished personal discipline of modern times.

I have always made resolutions at New Year. Most involved more exercise, improved diet and weight loss. Most were quickly broken. So this year I have made an unambitious resolution,­ one that I will keep. I am taking the Dry January challenge. Kick the wine for a month. Glug down fresh juices and treat myself to a nice jug of crystal clear water and ice at home – perhaps even with a twist of lemon.

You can check out details at www.dryjanuary.org.uk . Over two million people participated last year. It will save you money, provide better sleep, give you clearer skin and remove an inch or so from the waistline. So far I’m enjoying it!