By: Blake Wells ’28
Let’s face it: most of us have set a New Year’s resolution that we didn’t follow through on. Whether it’s because we make excuses or simply forget, the truth is that many people give up on their goals early on. In fact, 23% of Americans abandon their resolutions in the first week of January, and by the end of the month, 43% have already quit.
A New Year’s resolution is a goal that people set at the start of a new year as a way to make positive changes in their lives. About 57% of adults aged 18-80 make a resolution, but the majority of these goals are never achieved.
According to Statista, the top three resolutions are:
- Save more money (21%)
- Eat healthier (19%)
- Exercise more (17%)
However, 43% of people don’t set any resolutions at all.
The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions likely comes from the idea of starting fresh. The beginning of a new year feels like the perfect time to reflect on the past and make plans for the future.
One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail is that they are often unrealistic. When we set overly ambitious goals, it becomes difficult to stick with them. As Matt Woelper explains, “My resolution to not drink soda was too high of a standard to set myself at.” He adds, “If I set myself up for success, I would’ve split my end goal into digestible chunks that will lead me to my end result.”
Many people also lack a clear plan for achieving their goals. Without actionable steps, it’s easy to lose motivation and give up when obstacles arise.
If you want to keep your New Year’s resolution this year, here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Set Small, Achievable Goals
Break your resolution into smaller, manageable steps. By focusing on short-term goals, you can build momentum and stay motivated. - Create a Reward System
Reward yourself for reaching milestones. Celebrating small wins can keep you motivated as you work toward your larger goal. - Plan for Obstacles
Anticipate challenges that might arise and come up with strategies to overcome them. Don’t let a single setback discourage you—learn from it and keep moving forward.
Although most resolutions fail, they still represent an important opportunity for growth. By setting realistic goals and creating a plan to achieve them, you can make lasting changes in your life. So, this year, set yourself up for success and take it one step at a time.
Sources:
- Piedmont: Why Do People Make New Year’s Resolutions?
- Fisher College of Business: Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail
- MasterClass: Tips for Writing in Third Person Point of View
- Verywell Mind: Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail
- Statista: Most Common New Year’s Resolutions in the U.S.
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