Are my habits making me lose weight?

You’re going to lose weight. You’re going to quit smoking. You’ll stop eating junk food and munch on salads instead. While you’re at it, you’re going to do your bit for the planet by recycling more and using your car less.

New Year’s Resolutions are traditionally made at the stroke of midnight on December 31, just as the New Year is born. But, more often than not, people living in Western countries announce their goals for the coming year a few days later–after realizing just how much they’ve drunk, how much they’ve spent, and how much weight they’ve gained over the Christmas season.

Many Taiwanese make wishes each Lunar New Year, typically for health, happiness, prosperity, and success. The custom of New Year Resolutions–promising oneself that you’ll break a bad habit, or develop a good one–isn’t common here. But given the Valentine’s Day craze, and the growing popularity of Christmas, it may yet catch on.

In addition to getting in shape and kicking addictions to cigarettes or coffee, common New Year goals include learning a new skill, watching less TV and using the time gained to read serious literature, and getting into the habit of going to bed before midnight. Many resolutions are money-oriented: Make more, spend less, save more, get out of debt