WE must all resolve to do better from time to time, and the best time to do so is after a period of self-reflection, usually after a particular failure of moral or intestinal fortitude, which produces a strong desire to avoid a repeat.

The time not to make resolutions is after eating 18lb of turkey in various guises and drinking a bottle and a half of advocaat, which is where most people go so badly wrong with New Year’s resolutions. The first day of January, coming as it does with a thumping headache and peculiar but familiar feeling of self-loathing, is not the day to try to change your life.