It is a common a tradition to set New Year’s Resolutions, meaning that early in January the streets and parks are full of joggers in gleaming new kit; shopping also takes longer with people checking the label on foodstuffs to see if it fits with their juice/paleo/low carb/high protein/just-going-to-eat-less/i-need-to-punish-myself-for-being-fat diet.
Setting goals is generally regarded as a good thing, and I agree. They give purpose, focus and despite the trials and tribulations of life ensure that generally you are heading in the direction you have decided upon. American self-help leader Anthony Robbins goes so far as to suggest that personal growth is a human need.