Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions
Rebecca Leon, MHC-LP
As the last week in January quickly approaches, I find myself wondering what happened to my New Year's resolutions. Four weeks into the new year, I have already abandoned the lofty goals I set for myself. If you're anything like me, you've also made ambitious promises to yourself fueled by a burst of motivation and the allure of a fresh start. Every year, we pledge to hit the gym regularly, eat healthier, learn a new skill, or finally conquer that ever-growing reading list. But as the days turn into weeks and weeks into months, it's not uncommon for those resolutions to fade into the background. So, why do we continue to set New Year's resolutions, and why do they end up as fleeting aspirations rather than concrete changes?
Why Do We Make New Year’s Resolutions?
For many of us, the start of a new year symbolizes a clean slate and an opportunity to leave behind the shortcomings of the past. This symbolic fresh start is a powerful motivator, fueling the desire for positive change. New Year's resolutions provide a structured framework for people to channel this desire.
Societal norms and cultural traditions also influence our desire to create resolutions. The shared experience of setting goals for the coming year offers a sense of camaraderie and collective motivation. However, the drive to make resolutions for the year doesn't always stem from friendly competition among friends and family; companies also know that New Year's resolutions create potential revenue. Ever wonder why gyms are at full capacity the first week of January? Health and fitness companies use this time to advertise their latest products, services, diets, and workout plans. According to a Forbes Health/OnePoll survey conducted in October of 2023, 61.7% of respondents felt pressured to set a New Year’s resolution (Vinney, 2024). And so, while some people set New Year’s resolutions, others are sucked into them.
Why New Year’s Resolutions Often Fail
Despite good intentions, our resolutions often fail. In fact, studies show that over 90% of New Year’s resolutions will be abandoned within just a few months (Vinney, 2024). Here are four reasons resolutions often fail:
Unrealistic Expectations: One of the primary reasons we often cannot stick to resolutions is that we set unrealistic expectations. The enthusiasm of the new year can lead people to aim too high, setting unattainable goals within an unrealistic timeframe. This sets the stage for disappointment and diminished motivation. Instead, meet yourself where you're at and set smaller, more attainable goals.
Lack of Concrete Planning: Setting a resolution without a concrete plan prevents us from following through on our goals. Many overlook the importance of breaking down larger goals into manageable steps, making it challenging to stay on track. A lack of strategic planning can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and frustration. Instead, be specific about the goals you want to achieve, plan how to achieve them, and implement a timeline to execute steps toward those goals (Chan, 2024).
Failure to Address Underlying Issues: Often, resolutions focus on external changes without addressing the underlying issues hindering personal growth. Ignoring the root causes can lead to repeated cycles of setting the same resolutions year after year, with little success. It is important to reflect on why setting a particular goal is important to you and what has prevented you from changing in the past.
Lack of Social Support: The journey towards achieving resolutions can be challenging, and having a support system is crucial. Without a network of friends, family, or mentors to provide encouragement and guidance, people may struggle to stay motivated when faced with obstacles. Humans are social creatures, and the best way to stay consistent with goal setting is to find a buddy that will empower you and keep you motivated.
Ultimately, you don’t have to set New Year's resolutions if you don’t want to. In the grand scheme of things, New Years is an arbitrary date, and you can decide to make changes at any time of year! After reading this article, you may have decided to let go of the expectations and pressure of the new year. However, if you want to create sustainable change, consider setting realistic goals, creating detailed plans, addressing underlying issues, and building a supportive network. Remember that change is not easy or quick, and achieving your resolutions may take time—stay patient and meet yourself where you’re at.
Sources
Chan, K. (2024). Why We’re Still Conditioned to Uphold New Year’s Resolutions. VeryWellMind.
Vinney, C. (2024). The Psychology Behind Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail. VeryWellMind.