I – along with millions of others – have resolved to be healthier in 2020. For me, that means losing weight. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that I will have abandoned my goal by February. In fact, only one in five people are still adhering to their new year resolutions a month after they made them. So what is it about this small yet resolute group that they can stick it out while the rest of us give up?

Two experts on addiction, Ian Hamilton and Sally Barlow, believe that we can learn a lot from people who have successfully given up drink or drugs – or both. For example, research shows that people who successfully quit drugs take six to 30 attempts before they finally succeed. So perseverance is a big part of changing your life for the better. Don’t abandon your goal because you fell off the wagon once. Get up, dust yourself off and carry on trying.

Research shows that timing is important, too. You don’t have to give something up on the first day of January. In fact, it’s better to start when you have the right amount of energy and motivation. As the authors say: “Starting well gives the initial encouragement needed to get to day two.” Armed with this new advice, I’m feeling a whole lot more confident about achieving my goal this year. After all, what good is an unhealthy health editor?

In world news, tensions between the US and Iran took an alarming turn after senior Iranian general Qassem Suleimani was killed in an airstrike on January 3. As other nations sought to temper this significant escalation, Donald Trump still seemed to be upping the ante. Luca Trenta explains US policy on assassination and why the timing for this target sets a dangerous precedent.

Contact us here to have your event listed.

For sponsorship opportunities, email us here