It’s the beginning of the year, and I’m seeing the usual crowds packing the gyms and classes at my local fitness center. But I know that fairly soon, the gyms will return to their typical levels of use. 

That’s the way it is with New Year’s resolutions. Study after study shows that people’s optimistic pledges to dramatically change their lives through doing a fitness program, going on a diet, drinking less alcohol, or starting a new hobby typically don’t last very long. It’s just human nature.