Regular readers may recall that in general I am not in favour of New Year's
Resolutions
(See last year's article New Years Resolutions? You must be nuts
...<http://www.timlebon.com/blog/2007/01/new-years-resolutions-you-must-b...>
)
However, today's Times features a really interesting piece by none other
than the Chief Rabbi,
Jonathan Sacks, entitled Count your blessings and begin to change your life
The apparent contradiction is resolved because Sacks isn't  recommending
unrealistic
resolutions so much as pretty wise-looking rules for living well. You can
read Sacks's whole article
online,<http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article3134394.ece>but
here's a list of his 10 recommendations.(the bits in brackets are my
gloss on what he says)

Read more of this article .... including 5 more tips for living happily
suggested by Tim
LeBon<http://www.timlebon.com/blog/2008/01/new-years-rules-for-happiness.html>

The above article is the most recent article to be found on Tim
LeBon's Socrates
Satisfied <http://blog.timlebon.com/> blog. Follow the
link<http://blog.timlebon.com>to see the complete article and get
involved in the debate on how to be
happy and the role of religion in the happy life.

One of Sachs's tips is to engage in livelong learning - here are details of
4 courses starting soon ton hat may be just the ticket ..
4 courses in practical philosophy and psychology starting in early January

If learning, personal development or well-being are amongst your new year's
goals, then you might like to sign up for one of 4 courses I'm running in
the next couple of weeks.
They are:
Frankl and the Search for Meaning
<http://www.citylit.ac.uk/showcourse.php?code=PG636>
Friday 18th Jan 2008 1030-1730 Location: City Lit, Central London
Viktor Frankl's ideas can inspire everyone aiming to find more meaning and
purpose in their life.
This lively and highly-rated workshop will help you start the New Year
focusing on this important issue.
Call 020 7831 7831 to enrol or visit the City Lit
website<http://www.citylit.ac.uk/showcourse.php?code=PG636>

Philosophical Life Coaching<http://www.citylit.ac.uk/showcourse.php?code=HP020>
Saturday 19th Jan 2008 1030-1630 Location: City Lit, Central London
" "*Move over Carole Caplin. The new gurus of self-help are philosophical
counsellors from beyond the grave" proclaimed the Independent recently.*
Lead a more satisfying and meaningful life by using insights and methods
from the great thinkers. This introduction will show you some of the most
interesting ways it can be of help.
No previous experience required
Call 020 7831 7831 to enrol or visit the City Lit
website<http://www.citylit.ac.uk/showcourse.php?code=HP020>

Personal Development through Philosophy  (City University, London, Tuesday
evenings)<http://www.city.ac.uk/ell/cfa/arts/philosophy/personal_development.html>

This 10 week course will show how studying philosophy can help you discover
how they can be true to themselves, make wiser decisions and develop more
enlightened values.

 *Course Code:* CE1944  *Course Fee:* £100  *Start date:* Tuesday 15 January
2008  *Class Time:* 6.30pm – 8.30pm  *Number of Classes:* 10 weekly classes
*Accreditation:* 10 credits at level 1 <https://uss.city.ac.uk/ced/>

To enrol call 020 7040 8268 between 9.30am and 5.00pm.or visit the City Uni
website <https://uss.city.ac.uk/ced/>

Positive Psychology (City University, London, Thursday
evenings)<http://www.city.ac.uk/ell/cfa/business/professional_development/posit...>

Positive psychology is the growing branch of psychology that focuses on the
positive, including strengths, positive states and well-being. This course
will have a particular emphasis on how positive psychology can make you more
effective in your working life in terms of your strengths, emotional
intelligence, creativity, decision making, meaning and purpose.

*Course Code:* CE1941  *Course Fee:* £180  *Start date:* Thursday 17 January
2008  *Class Time:* 6.30pm – 8.30pm  *Number of Classes:* 10 weekly classes
*Accreditation:* 10 credits at level 1

To enrol call 020 7040 8268 between 9.30am and 5.00pm.or visit the City Uni
website <https://uss.city.ac.uk/ced/><http://www.citylit.ac.uk/showcourse.php?code=HP020>