By Jeet Parikh
2021 was going to be a phenomenal year. I planned to improve my diet, start meditating, and go running more often. However, at the time I am writing this (the end of February), all of those aspirations have fizzled out… why? What is it about New Year’s Resolutions that makes them so prone to failure, and what can be done to improve them?
First, let’s discuss why New Year’s Resolutions exist in the first place. New Year’s Day is a reset -- a fresh 365 days to improve yourself. It’s a day to let go of the past and set goals for the future. This tradition is ancient, originating around 4000 years ago in Babylon.
However, what makes nearly 90% of all aspirants fail their resolutions? There are a few major problems in the goal-setting mindset of people on New Year’s.
First, most want their (often-lofty) goals to be realized immediately. Unfortunately, you’re simply not going to lose ten pounds overnight. Progress takes time, and many goal-setters oversee that reality. Ideally, progress should be slow and steady. These are more doable, and therefore, people don’t get worn down, which increases their chances of continuing that goal.
Next, most lack a measurable way to track their goals. “Eating healthier” is quite subjective; does this mean zero carbs, fewer carbs, more protein, only veggies, or less frequent treats? With such a wide range of interpretations, it’s difficult to know if you are truly making progress. Instead, consider a goal like “sticking to a strict keto-diet,” where you record the days you successfully stuck to the diet. This will not only allow you to measure your progress tangibly, but it will also motivate you further.
The biggest reason why New Year’s Resolutions fail is a lack of inner drive. Goal-setters often know what they want, but not why they want it. Someone may aspire to become more fit. However, a month in and a particularly tiring day at the gym later, they may be confused about why they went through the trouble. Goals are not easy. They take lots of effort. However, without consistent motivation, you lose your drive to pursue the goal. A solution could be: “I want to shed some pounds so my kids aren’t ashamed of my weight,” or “I want to eat healthier so I can live longer.” These reasons boost your confidence and replace a surface-level routine with a deeper goal.
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What Did You Learn?
Questions:
What issues are common among New Year’s Resolutions?
Most want their (often-lofty) goals to be realized immediately. Unfortunately, you’re simply not going to lose ten pounds overnight. Progress takes time, and many goal-setters oversee that reality. Ideally, progress should be slow and steady. These are more doable, and therefore, people don’t get worn down, which increases their chances of continuing that goal. Additionally, most lack a measurable way to track their goals. “Eating healthier” is quite subjective; does this mean zero carbs, fewer carbs, more protein, only veggies, or less frequent treats? With such a wide range of interpretations, it’s difficult to know you are truly making progress. Instead, consider a goal like “sticking to a strict keto-diet,” where you record the days you successfully stuck to the diet. This will not only allow you to measure your progress tangibly, but it will also motivate you further.
What is the significance of an inner drive, and how does it help New Year’s Resolutions?
The biggest reason why New Year’s Resolutions fail is a lack of inner drive. Goal-setters often know what they want, but not why they want it. Someone may aspire to become more fit. However, a month in and a particularly tiring day at the gym later, they may be confused about why they went through the trouble. Goals are not easy. They take lots of effort. However, without consistent motivation, you lose your drive to pursue the goal. A solution could be: “I want to shed some pounds so my kids aren’t ashamed of my weight,” or “I want to eat healthier so I can live longer.” These reasons boost your confidence and replace a surface-level routine with a deeper goal.