Did you make a New Year's resolution? Will you keep it? Research shows that you probably won't. A study by researchers at Scranton University found that only 19 percent of individuals who make resolutions will keep their resolutions. That tells us that an astounding 81 percent of those who make resolutions break them before the end of the year. Moreover, most are abandoned by mid-January. There are several reasons why this may be the case.
One reason is that people often set goals that are too vague or unrealistic. For example, a resolution to "lose weight" or "save more money" may be difficult to achieve because it does not specify a clear plan or target. Without a clear roadmap, it is easy to become overwhelmed or lose motivation. It is important to set specific and measurable goals that are achievable within a reasonable timeframe.
Another reason is that people may have a fixed mindset, believing that their abilities and characteristics are fixed and cannot be changed. This can lead to a lack of effort and motivation when faced with challenges or setbacks. It is important to adopt a growth mindset, recognizing that abilities and traits can be developed through effort and learning.
Additionally, people may struggle with self-control and temptation, especially when trying to change behaviors that are deeply ingrained or rewarding in the short term. For example, it may be difficult to stick to a resolution to exercise regularly if you are used to sedentary habits or if you enjoy unhealthy food. Self-control is a limited resource, and it can be depleted by other demands or stressors. To improve self-control, it may be helpful to set up an environment that supports your goals, such as removing tempting foods from your home or finding a workout partner to motivate you.
Another challenge is the lack of social support or accountability. It can be difficult to stick to a resolution if you are not receiving encouragement or feedback from others. It may be helpful to enlist the help of friends or family members, or to join a group or community that shares your goals.
Finally, people may also struggle with feelings of failure or disappointment if they are unable to achieve their resolutions. This can lead to a negative cycle of self-doubt and lack of motivation. To overcome this, it is important to recognize that setbacks and failures are a normal part of the learning process and to reframe them as opportunities for growth and learning. It may also be helpful to set smaller, intermediate goals to help build momentum and confidence.
Overall, new year's resolutions can be a useful tool for personal growth and development, but it is important to be realistic and mindful of the psychological challenges that may arise. By setting specific and achievable goals, adopting a growth mindset, managing self-control and temptation, seeking social support, and being resilient in the face of setbacks, you can increase your chances of success and make meaningful progress towards your goals.
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