The second week in January is usually ‘make or break’ for New Year’s resolutions.

And it seems Alan Watts, who is largely attributed to bringing Zen philosophy to the United States, had a thing or two to say on the art of self-improvement.

Though he died in 1973, Watts argues that the central premise of trying to improve oneself will only further isolate a person’s sense of being and ultimately their happiness.

“I can only think seriously of trying to live up to an ideal, to improve myself, if I am split in two pieces. There must be a good “I” who is going to improve the bad “me.” “I,” who has the best intentions, will go to work on wayward “me,” and the tussle between the two will very much stress the difference between them.

“Consequently “I” will feel more separate than ever, and so merely increase the lonely and cut-off feelings which make “me” behave so badly.”

His philosophy on self-improvement is particularly relevant at this time of year, when the Psychological Society of Ireland warns against setting unrealistic resolutions.

So maybe the best advice is to try not to curb your bad behaviour, take up something you will enjoy or even just do nothing at all.

Take a look at Alan Watts' most famous lecture about living the life that you desire: