London

I want to organise my life
Dilemma ‘I’m late for everything. I don’t know where anything is. The prospect of filing a tax return reduces me to wobbling panic, as does planning anything. I lose everything and remember nothing.’
Solution Jamil Qureshi, author of ‘The Mind Coach’, advises: ‘Set your watch a little ahead of time and wear it on the opposite wrist. Start designating places to put particular objects: your keys in the kitchen, or your hat near your coat. That way, you’ll always know roughly where something is. For events, start by reminding yourself they are supposed to be enjoyable occasions. Then build up to them by planning two or three other events around them. If it’s your friend’s birthday, plan to buy a present a fortnight in advance, then book a haircut for the week before, so the occasion feels more of a climax to an enjoyable few weeks. Break big tasks into smaller, more enjoyable ones. Of course, there’s nothing enjoyable about tax returns.’
If all else fails ‘Hire a concierge service to do it for you – try www.buy-time.co.uk or www.elitelife.co.uk.’ Feature continues

I want to lose weight
Dilemma ‘I am 37 this month and I want to lose a stone and a bit by February and keep the weight off for once. I want to eat carbs and protein together and I don’t want to give up alcohol.’
Solution Carolyn Pallister, Slimming World dietician, advises: ‘New Year is a great time to make the decision to lose weight, but if you’re too strict with yourself you’re likely to give up after a couple of weeks. Research shows that cutting out the equivalent of one biscuit each day can help you lose up to a stone over a year – so making small, sustainable changes like swapping unhealthy snacks for fruit, breadsticks or yoghurt can make a big difference. Studies have also found that the most successful slimmers are those who get support, so joining a slimming group where you can share ideas and gain inspiration from others is a powerful motivator.’ (www.slimmingworld.com)
If all else fails There’s gastric bypass surgery – but that’s only recommended for the morbidly obese.

I want to get a better education
UCAS (http://ucas.com) has lots of advice on how to become a mature student, including advice on financing your degree. Or contact the open university (www.theuniversityof.co.uk) for details of home-study courses.

I want to be less stressed
Some stress is good, but if it’s starting to affect your health and you feel unable to cope, implement some relaxation techniques: meditation, yoga and tai chi all use breathing to calm and focus the mind, and give you a chance to incorporate silence and ‘me time’ into your day. But remember that exercise and activity – if you’re doing something you enjoy – will also help you feel less stressed. (www.triyoga.co.uk; www.londonmeditation centre.com)

I want to cut down the amount of alcohol I drink
Dilemma ‘I’m a wine buff, but just because I like to learn about it and talk about it doesn’t mean I’m not overdoing the units. I want to find a way to indulge my interest without destroying my liver.'
Solution A spokesperson from UK charity Drinkaware advises: ‘January presents the perfect opportunity to take a look at your alcohol consumption and assess your intake against recommended guidelines. For an easy diagnosis of your drinking lifestyle visit www.drinkaware.co.uk and check out the unit calculator and drinks-diary tools, which give you an accurate picture of how much you are drinking, and what you could do to adjust your intake, including keeping an online diary to monitor your consumption.’
If all else fails If you panic at the thought of cutting down on your booze intake, you should probably be worried about addiction – contact your GP or Alcoholics Anonymous (www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk).

I want to find out more about cutting-edge art
Dilemma ‘I restrict my artistic outings to major gallery events rather than intrepidly hunting down the latest talent to emerge from the East End. Any suggestions?’
Solution Ossian Ward, Time Out Art editor, advises: ‘You can bet that anything you happen upon east of Shoreditch will be pretty quirky. For example, to find the tiny MOT International (www.motinternational.org) you need to go up five floors in a tower block next to Regent’s Canal, while Between Bridges (www.betweenbridges.net) is an exhibition space in the foyer of Wolfgang Tillmans’s studio. Another Bethnal Green favourite is The Approach (www.the approach.co.uk), located above the boozer of the same name. But the West End can be weird too; you could try high-end Hauser & Wirth (www.hauserwirth.com), in a former NatWest bank on Piccadilly that still has an enormous vault in the basement.’
If all else fails Trawl our art section for listings of smaller galleries, then go and explore.

I want to get a new job
You can use a CV-writing service such as www.cvcl.co.uk, although if you opt to update yours yourself, there are a few simple rules to follow. Keep your CV short and to the point, using reverse chronological order to put the relevant stuff at the top, and identifying key skills as you go along. You can also buy interview coaching at www.skillstudio.co.uk, or have a look at www.videojug.com, which contains a number of tutorials. Rod Cornwell, recruitment specialist at Thomas International, says: ‘Remember, during the interview process it’s not just what you say, it’s also how you say it and then the non-verbal signals you’re giving out, particularly your hand gestures, your posture and your breathing.’

I want to learn more about classic films
Dilemma ‘I want a bit of direction on the most important works by the most influential twentieth-century European and American film directors. But, as it will be January and February, I don’t want to leave my house.'
Solution Dave Calhoun, Time Out Film editor, advises: ‘Here’s a selection of 12 directors along with one or two key works. I’d suggest you follow your nose according to which of them you like the most. Try www.lovefilm.com or other cheap online rental services or hunt down, via Amazon, cheap second-hand copies of titles they don’t stock.
‘The Lumière brothers (where it all began; find a collection of their short films); F W Murnau (“Nosferatu”, “Sunrise”); Buster Keaton (“The General”, “Steamboat Bill Jr”); Renoir (“La Grande Illusion”, “La Règle du Jeu”); Orson Welles (“Touch of Evil”, “The Magnificent Ambersons”); Hitchcock (try a British one, “The 39 Steps”, then a later American one, “North by Northwest”); Fellini (start with “I Vitelloni”); Ozu (“Tokyo Story”); Ingmar Bergman (“Wild Strawberries”); Jean-Luc Godard (“A Bout de Souffle”, “Le Mepris”). For more recent British work, you should try Terence Davies (“Distant Voices, Still Lives”, then “The Long Day Closes”) and Mike Leigh (“Bleak Moments”, “Secrets and Lies”) – and I’d recommend squeezing in a Ken Loach too, maybe “Ladybird, Ladybird” or for a more epic experience, “Land and Freedom”.’
If all else fails ‘Flick through the “Time Out Film guide”, keep a copy of Time Out’s “1000 Films to Change Your Life” in your lavatory (both available from the Time Out shop) and read Mark Cousins’s “The Story of Film”; check out extracts from most of these films on YouTube; or get off your sofa and see what’s playing at the BFI Southbank or Barbican.’

I want to buy a house
David Kuo, head of personal finance at www.fool.co.uk, says: ‘Property prices are expected to fall around 20 per cent from their 2007 peak. At the moment, they still have a little way to go before they reach that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t hurry things along yourself. So, if you find the right property it doesn’t hurt to put in an offer well below the asking price. But as always, it is neither the price of the property nor the amount you can borrow from a bank that is important. Instead it is the amount you can comfortably afford to repay that is key. Additionally, can you still afford to maintain the monthly repayments if interest rates go up another couple of per cent?’

I want to do more for charity
With less cash sloshing about in general, charities need your help more than ever this year. You may want to consider volunteering – see www.volunteering.org.uk – or get in touch with your favourite charity and offer your services; most will happily find ways of making use of your skills. Lewis Coghlin, fundraising director for Action Medical Research, recommends taking part in a sponsored challenge event if you haven’t got much money to give away. ‘We’re one of the leading challenge events charities,’ he says. ‘We offer tough but fulfilling endurance events such as the famous London to Paris bike ride or the “Plod” overnight sponsored walks. It’s a good way to tick the “get fitter” box while doing something you’ll be really proud of.’ (www.action.org.uk)

I want to get into new music
Dilemma ‘Recently I’ve realised that I’ve probably been missing out on some really good stuff and I think it’s time I got back in the loop.’
Solution Eddy Lawrence, Time Out Music editor, advises: ‘First off, you need to keep reading Time Out. Even if you think the writers are full of shit, the gig guide is indispensable for familiarising yourself with bands on ‘the circuit’ (ie bands that play practically every week) and learning which are going places and which just play the same pub room to two people every other Tuesday. Seeing bands live is by far the best way to get a grip on whether they’re worth keeping an eye on or not. Also cultivate acquaintanceships with the good people behind the counter at either of Rough Trade’s or Pure Groove’s outlets; ask them what’s getting the staff excited. Make sure it’s someone you think has nice hair, to ensure you’ll share musical tastes.’
If all else fails ‘Start hanging around on internet messageboards (http://gorillavsbear.net and www.drownedinsound.com are good places to start), but don’t take the chatter too seriously – these sites function best as a form of musical i-ching, allowing you to formulate your own musical reality from critical banter.’

I want to learn how to dance
Dilemma I have my wedding coming up, and it seems sensible to have some training in place before the first dance, when people will be looking, and I will be (relatively) sober.’
Solution Lyndsey Winship, Time Out Dance editor, advises: ‘Ah, the first dance. What pressure! London is awash with partner dance classes. For a smooth slow dance, ballroom is the obvious one to go for, or a slinky tango, but if the numbers being played at your wedding reception are more upbeat I’d recommend Lindy hop, a 1930s style that’s the precursor to jive and rock ’n’ roll. It’s more fun, probably more versatile and it’s very hip to boot. I’d say three things are essential to dancefloor success: posture, confidence and learning how to move your hips. British men, in particular, tend to dance as if their hips, torso and shoulders were one solid entity. Learning how to move different parts of your body independently could be a revelation.’
If all else fails See Time Out's Dance section for classes in all styles.

I want to meet that special someone
Mary Balfour, founder of the introductions agency Drawing Down the Moon (www.drawingdownthemoon.co.uk), cautions singletons against forming preconceived ideas about their perfect partner. ‘A lot of people have unrealistically high expectations,’ she explains, ‘expecting perfection from the first date. In my experience, the best way of finding the right person is to meet lots of people who are roughly right for you – the more people you meet, the greater your chances of success. In an average life, each of us probably meets in the region of 20 people we could spend the rest of our lives with – but we don’t realise this is the case, either because we’re not ready, or because we’re too blinkered about the type of person we’re looking for. If you can find about 60 or 70 per cent of what you’re looking for in a person, that’s a very good start.’

I want to stop smoking
If you’ve really decided to quit, there are lots of places to go for help. The Third Space gym and treatment centre (www.thethirdspace.com) offers a highly acclaimed programme which combines hypnosis and acupuncture. ‘I’ve found a holistic approach is always best,’ says Gloria Thomas, who runs the programme. ‘Many people say that they identify themselves as a smoker and can’t see themselves stopping. But smoking is a behaviour that’s been learnt, not who you are. The key is imagining yourself as a non-smoker and focusing on what you’ll gain rather than what you’ll lose. You have to challenge your belief systems – and remember it’s the desire to do that that makes you successful.’
Also try try the NHS’s free support and advice service at www.smokefree.nhs.uk.

I want to learn more about opera and classical music
Dilemma 'Classical music works so differently to rock and pop that I find it hard to browse, and so much depends on who’s made the recording rather than who composed it. I’d love to be able to walk into the classical section of HMV and have some idea what is good.'
Solution Jonathan Lennie, Time Out Classical editor, advises: ‘The grandest of all the arts, when it works, opera can be an overwhelming experience; it requires everything to work together, so a little selective discretion is required. It’s best to start with operas that unite whistleable melodies with a strong narrative. So, go for “Carmen”, “The Magic Flute” (at ENO Jan 24-Feb 26), “La Bohème” (at ENO Feb 2-Mar 8), “Tosca”, “Madam Butterfly”, “Rigoletto” (at Royal Opera House Feb 10-Mar 1), “La Traviata”, “Il Trovatore”, “Die Fledermaus” and “Faust”. Steer clear of amateurs; it’s worth investing in established opera companies (ENO and the Royal Opera House), or reputable visiting companies such as Welsh National Opera and English Touring Opera. Avoid concert performances (the equivalent of a play reading). The venue itself is also important: good acoustics complement a natural sound; vast arenas destroy intimacy and amplification creates a secondhand sound. Listen to CD highlights beforehand so that you come to the music as a friend and not as a stranger. Although most performances today have surtitles, some plots are incomprehensible, so a quick Google or a trusty opera guide is a shrewd investment. As for buying CDs, there is a bewildering selection of recordings out there: consult a reputable guide. Conductors, orchestras and soloists often have a sympathy with the music of their homeland, so bear that in mind.’
If all else fails ‘Choose orchestras that you have heard of – the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, for example, might not always be the best version, but their recordings are unlikely to be duff.’

I want to get fit
Whatever you do, don’t sign up with a fancy gym in January, when the balance of your mind is under attack from mince-pie bloat, sunlight deprivation and carpet-bomb marketing from breakfast cereal manufacturers and other processed foods. Instead, spend the money on proper trainers, a decent pair of headphones and a pedometer, and start your new-me exercise plan with some brisk walking. Rosy cheeks, improved cardio-vascular heath and a newfound appreciation for your MP3 player will ensue. (www.borrowadog.com). Alternatively, check out – and in to – London’s best gyms.

I want to be more eco-friendly
Dilemma ‘Being green has always seemed so time consuming, not to mention expensive, but I want to try to brave the bitter winter without bankruptcy by heating bill.’
Solution Pete May, author of ‘There’s a Hippo in my Cistern: One Man’s Misadventures on the Eco-Frontline’, advises: ‘Insulate your loft and get individual thermostats for each radiator. Adjust the timer when you go out so that you don’t heat an empty house. Set your timer to go off at 10pm each night instead of 11pm and retreat into bed with a partner and a hot water bottle for eco-fun – or at least with a good book. Claim that visits to the pub are sustainable because you’re drinking out of reusable glasses. Wearing an extra jumper seems more bearable now we’ve painted one front room “library red” and pretend that we’re living in a stately home.’
If all else fails At least swap all your lightbulbs for energy-saving ones.

I want to get out of debt
David Kuo, head of personal finance at www.fool.co.uk says: ‘‘There are no easy ways I’m afraid, but not adding to your debt mountain is a good place to start. So, try to live well within your means. Next, you need to start paying off your most expensive debts. This may not necessarily be your biggest debt, but the one that charges the highest rate of interest. Pay as much of this debt as you can afford while maintaining minimum payments on your other debts. The more you pay off, the faster the debt rolls off. That’s why they call it snowballing.’

I want to clear out my possessions
Set aside a realistic amount of time and tackle one room at a time. Sort items into different categories to be recycled, given away or, if all else fails, dumped. The site www.uk.freecycle.org is the place to give away usable but unwanted items and ‘change the world one gift at a time’, but don’t forget charity shops also need clothes, toys and household items. For help and advice try www.cluttergone.co.uk, which costs £40 for the first hour, then £35 for each subsequent hour. Cluttergone’s Beverley Wade says: ‘Start by ditching the duplicates and doubles. Keeping too much stuff can drag you down. Do you really need so many pairs of nearly identical trainers? Will you ever use all those dozens of hand creams? Lighten up your life by giving away and using all those extras and spares!’

I want to travel more
Dilemma ‘I want to push myself into exploring places I can’t even imagine. I hope to make this year a really adventurous one.’
Solution Chris Moss, Time Out Travel editor, advises: ‘Don’t just go where you know you’ll be in your comfort zone. With the shrivelling pound, you might want/have to stay close to home. Wales is a place to seek adventure in 2009: it has the hills and coastline, rafting rivers and rural idylls, small hotels and fast trains to London. If you want to learn about an entirely different culture, then consider Benin and Togo, where you can sleep in stilt villages and explore voodoo culture; Latin America is probably the easiest, safest and most pleasurable way to get an exotic experience and Patagonia is vast, empty and beautiful – and you just need a few words of Spanish to get around.’
If all else fails Travel on telly and save money and carbon. Avoid celebs’ spoilt-brat junkets and Palin reruns and look out for ‘True Stories: Afghan Star’, about Afghanistan’s answer to ‘Pop Idol’, on More4 (one contestant drops her head scarf during a performance and dances in public) and ‘The Lost Libraries of Timbuktu’ on BBC4, which looks at the legacy of Islamic scholarship in that mythically remote city.