This is the time of the year when some of us vow to leave our ragged old selves behind and emerge in the new year as a more admirable individual. If, like most people, your resolutions last until the second week of January then here's a few places to inspire you. For those giving up nicotine givingupsmoking.co.uk is full of information and help but whyquit.com/whyquit/smokersbody.jpg is more convincing.

Those seeking to lose weight should visit www.weightlossresources.co.uk, while those who are also seeking to get fit might find encouragement of sorts from thefatmanwalking.com, the diary of a fridge of a man who is walking across America in a spirited attempt to reach his ideal weight. While anyone keen on those Things To Do Before I Die lists will find all manner of nosey inspiration at my50.co.uk.