Why new year’s resolutions succeed
Are you still in the game?
So what?
At some point in our lives, we all set new year’s resolutions with the best intentions to seeing them through. Many of us set one (or two) every year despite failing to complete it or keep it up for a prolonged time. There has been countless studies and research into the statistics around why new year’s resolutions fail. Some of their highlights include:
- 39% of us set a new year’s resolution;
- 23% of us quit in the first week;
- 64% of us quit by February; and
- 91% of new year’s resolutions fail.
Notwithstanding, we optimistically start one against all odds. By the time this post is published, we will well be into the new year and many of these resolutions would have failed. In celebration of those that have made it this far, I wanted to take some time to discuss why they succeed instead of talking about why they fail like most articles would discuss.
In it for the long haul
The resolutions that are still around today are slow and steady. Small habit changes and incremental efforts stick better since they are not intimidating or daunting. Those of us that have the badge of honour of having a successful new year’s resolution were smart enough to treat it as a marathon and not a sprint.
Tracking progress
Our brains work against us when it comes to change. Our bodies want to rest and minimise energy usage. Survival is priority. When it comes to new year’s resolutions, our minds make us doubt ourselves and try to convince us to go back to our old habits. The resolutions that were tracked since the new year are the ones that are more likely to be sticking around until now. Tracking your progress offers positive feedback that will squash doubts that creeps in.
Social support
Staying motivated takes accountability which is easily obtained through social support. Whether it be support groups through Facebook, LinkedIn or elsewhere, a gym buddy or an accountability partner, social support does wonders to keep you accountable and not embarrass yourself in the process.
My experience
I don’t set new year’s resolutions anymore. It probably has been more than a decade since my last one. Why? The figures are not in my favour. I tend not to do things that I know I can’t follow through with. If I were to set goals around the new year, I would purposely start them in December or February whilst avoiding January. Perhaps it’s something that you can try.
What now?
- Are you one of the fortunate few that has had success with new year’s resolutions? Share with us what worked for you.