The tradition of New Year Resolutions dates back over 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians, who celebrated the new year with promises to their gods to repay debts and return borrowed items. The Romans later adopted this practice, dedicating their resolutions to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions. Fast forward to today, and New Year Resolutions remain a time-honoured ritual across the globe—a symbolic fresh start where people strive to improve their lives and habits.
Psychologically, New Year Resolutions appeal to our innate desire for self-improvement, which stems from our drive to grow, adapt, and find purpose. Whether it’s striving for better health, learning a new skill, or strengthening relationships, this universal inclination is fueled by the hope of becoming the best version of ourselves. For example, someone may resolve to exercise regularly not just for physical benefits but to gain confidence and boost their overall wellbeing.
Despite our best intentions, many of us struggle to keep these promises. Research in behavioural studies published in Forbes show that approximately 80% of people abandon their resolutions by mid-February, which highlight the challenges of sustaining motivation past the initial excitement.
Why…..This happens for a variety of reasons: setting unrealistic goals, lacking clear strategies, or underestimating the commitment required. According to research by the University of Scranton, only about 8% of people successfully achieve their resolutions, often by setting realistic goals, maintaining consistent habits, and seeking support through strategies like accountability partnerships or progress tracking.
So, what are the best resolutions to make?
Effective goals often revolve around health, relationships, personal growth, and career development. Examples include adopting a consistent fitness routine, prioritising mental health, learning a new skill, or enhancing financial literacy. The key to success lies not only in setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals but also in implementing strategies that help maintain accountability and motivation.
One of the most effective strategies is partnering with an accountability buddy. An accountability buddy is someone who shares similar goals or simply acts as a reliable partner to check in, offer encouragement, and keep you on track. Research has shown that individuals with accountability partners are 65% more likely to achieve their goals. When you add regular progress meetings to the mix, the likelihood of success skyrockets to 95%. This is because having someone to share your journey helps combat procrastination, provides emotional support, and reinforces a sense of responsibility.
To maximise your resolution success:
- Clearly define your goals and break them into smaller, manageable milestones.
- Share your resolutions with a trusted accountability buddy and schedule regular check-ins.
- Celebrate small wins to build confidence and maintain motivation.
- Be flexible and kind to yourself—setbacks happen, but persistence is key.
In summary, while New Year Resolutions are steeped in tradition, their success depends on actionable strategies and effective support systems. By choosing meaningful goals, employing structured approaches like SMART planning, and partnering with an accountability buddy, you can turn your resolutions into lasting achievements. Let this new year be the one where you not only set goals but also reach them—together.
