Recently updated on: December 27, 2023
Our teachers used to make us write a New Year's resolution in elementary and high school.
It was an annual routine after the Christmas vacation when we would write the things we think need to change for the following year.
During that time, I often wrote something like "study harder" or "spend less time playing computer games."
However, time and time again, it resulted in failure. Though it will start fine for the first few days and weeks, it will eventually fade into the background of my older habits.
I can't remember when I last put my New Year's "resolutions" in writing, but I guess it's been a while.
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The Problem with New Year's Resolutions
Every January, many people, regardless of age, will commit to doing more or less many things to improve their lives.
Many would start exercising or going to the gym, saving money, sleeping earlier, longer, and on time, reading more books, eating healthier, and other more beneficial actions.
Though these are desirable goals, there is a catch - most New Year's resolutions will eventually fail.
I know many people do this every year. Make a New Year's resolution in January and be like, "Better luck next year" by February.
According to Business Insider, unspecific New Year's resolutions are the biggest reason for these failures.
New Year's Resolutions are Overrated.
The thing about the New Year's resolution is why we should have to wait for the year's reset before we start committing to change.
It will be a complete waste of time if we wait until January before acting and aiming for a change that can be started earlier.
New Year's resolutions are overrated because many people only want the idea of change but don't want to spend the time, energy, and effort to sustain it in the long run.
Change Should Not Be Drastic
Suppose you're doing something for a long time, like smoking cigarettes, living a sedentary lifestyle, not reading books, and eating unhealthy food.
In that case, chances are you'll have a hard time adjusting and will eventually fail with your New Year's resolutions.
I know many people, including my past self, who started a resolution in January only to revert to the old habit by February.
If we want to change something for the better, we need to start small -and with that small habit, build it consistently over time and not overnight.
When is the Best Time To Make A Resolution?
The best time to start a resolution was yesterday, but the second best is today. Start with what you know today and slowly but methodologically aim to improve.
Don't try a 180-degree shift overnight because you'll most likely give it up before the year's first quarter ends.
But it can also help to change on a 'reset.'
For example, instead of a New Year's resolution, why not try to make a New Month resolution, a New Week resolution, or even a birthday resolution?
Aim for 1% improvement every day and watch your life change. Just remember to monitor your progress because you improve something you don't measure.
Final Thought:
Instead of waiting for January to make a resolution, make it a habit of finding gaps for improvement.
Don't just "accept" these habits as "who you are," especially if you have the power to make a change for the better.
I hope that this year will be much better than the last. Happy New Year, and God bless!