“Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.” – Unknown
Do you remember the last New Year’s Eve? Of course you do. It’s the time when everyone prepared for the ball-to-drop, the clock to strike twelve, and the fireworks to illuminate the night sky.
FIVE!
Families are huddled in front of the TV, watching reporters recap the year’s events, as they give words of wisdom to look forward to the future.
FOUR!
People are holding onto their loved ones in the crowds on the streets of some of the biggest cities (Chicago, New York, Los Angeles just to name a few).
THREE…TWO…ONE…HAPPY NEW YEAR’S!!!!
Everyone screams, shouts, cries, kisses… welcoming in the new year.
January 1st is also the day on which everyone gives birth to their New Years’ resolutions. At this time, everyone sets a certain goal intended to make significant changes in their lives.
And although it varies, everyone’s resolution statement tends to sound a little bit like this:
“Last year, I didn’t (run that marathon, make straight A’s, go back to college, start a blog, etc.), but this year, it’ll be different.”
Let the resolution process begin
We gather information, organize schedules, write lists, make affirmations, tell everyone, and post reminders everywhere. With everything in place, we feel as if we’re ready to tackle our New Year’s resolution.
Yeah, you’re feeling great. This is going to be awesome. You’re not going to be one of those people who quit after a week, a month, or even three months!
You try your absolute hardest for the first day. You see no results. Well that’s okay.
You try your hardest again for the second day. Still, no results. It’s only been two days.
You try again for the rest of the week. Still nothing.
By the end of the month, you have little to show for your efforts (which kept diminishing ever so slowly). Sometimes you skipped required tasks and did double the work the next day, but it still felt like you weren’t making progress. And the victories you did get felt sort of hollow.
Sadly, you ultimately quit. Bummer.
It’s depressing… I know
We all understand how it feels when resolutions have to be given up. I myself have gone through many years of unkept vows.
My last New Year’s resolution was to stop complaining. Ha ha, yeah that lasted about a week. Funny thing was, I didn’t know why I stopped. I understood that it was partly because I stopped caring, but I didn’t know why I stopped caring.
The answer was right under my nose the entire time.
Pardon me, but screw your New Year’s resolution
The culprit was the day we all knew and loved. The day that was supposed to change everything. The day that filled our hearts with joy… but usually ended up with us feeling unfulfilled.
NEW YEAR’S DAY.
I was quite surprised when I learned of this. I mean, that day was supposed to signify new beginnings, right? It was supposed to motivate us to change our lifestyles for the better.
Now you’re probably thinking, “You’ve got to be joking, John. Where’s your proof?”
Well, it’s simple. If you look closely enough, you’ll see that the power of the New Year’s resolution lies in the very thing it evokes: your emotion.
On New Year’s Day, you and everyone else is pumped to start their resolution. Everyone wants to be hopeful they will succeed: it’s only natural that common emotions will energize those that feel them at the same time. As a result, the lights, sounds, and sensations are all instilled within you – for one day.
Fast forward a month later and you’ll find that those emotions won’t be enough to sustain you for an entire year (or depending on how long it takes for you to achieve your resolution).
However, there is another way.
The solution to your resolution
Think of it this way:
New Year’s resolution = goal
They’re the same thing. You set hundreds of these all the time. Don’t treat a resolution as a be-all-end-all type of promise. Take that route, and you’re simply setting yourself up for failure.
Instead treat it like any other type of goal. Work towards it along with all the rest you set everyday, making sure not to fall behind in your efforts for even a second.
If you take nothing else away from this post, take this tip about goal-setting: Re-list, revise, re-think – every week.
See you guys New Year’s Day: I won’t be setting any resolutions, thank you. I’d rather just hope for the best 
*Note: Thank you, Suzen, for inspiring this post with your comment.*
photo credit: Michel Filion
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25 comments to “Why We Should Put an End to the “New Year’s Resolution””
I think I wrote a similar post about “New Year’s Resolutions” back in December and my take is, just treat it like any other goal. Over the past few years, I’ve always accomplished my “resolutions” though I could have set them anytime of the year. The beginning of the year just makes an easy starting point for me.
Nice post John.
I think one of the reasons why I think many people make New Year’s Resolutions is because, in a way, we all start off with a “clean slate”.
January 1st, the first day of the year, is the perfect day to start something new and fresh, hoping that “this time” our resolutions will follow through.
However, as the months go by, we realize our enthusiasm isn’t what it was on day 1 and our ability to have that same “high” tends to fade away.
The best thing to do is what Carla pointed out – to remind yourself that everyday is a day to focus and work towards that goal, rather than just be all over it on day 1.
This is a really great post! I agree that we’re better off with New Year’s resolutions and, instead, goals are much more important. As is hoping for the best!
I don’t make new years resolutions anymore. I used to. I have learned to set goals all through the year. This simple act made me more productive and more satisfied at the years end.
Since, New Years Resolutions have such a bad stigma, I usually don’t even set any goals for the New Year. I just bring the New Year in with Joy and Light and Love! Then I set a New Goal after the New Year Starts.
I always make the same New Year’s resolution: to quit smoking. Since I have never smoked, I always keep my resolution! I’m like, 10 for 10 on keeping resolutions. I rock!
On a more serious note, yes, setting goals is a MUCH better way of handling the “fresh start” of a new year.
Hey I’m with you on this one. Screw new years resolutions!!
I always do this resolution thing…I always make them..and then well always break them. So this time i am not gonna make them..no sir…I am gonna set new goals right now….NOW….Thats what i’ll do…and when someone asks me what are my new years resolutions….I’ll say I already completed mine ha
I already have 8 goals on my list, half of which are already complete. Time to set some more….:)
Like some of the above comments have suggested, I too believe that you shouldn’t treat New Year’s resolutions as anything other than another goal.
I think the true problem with New Year’s resolutions is that they just illustrates how poorly most people set goals.
Like you’ve already brought up in your previous entry, your goals can’t be vague. They need to be very detailed. “I want to lose weight” is a horrible goal because, how do you know when you’ve reached it? “I want to lose 20 pounds by summer” is better because now you know when you achieved it.
But I think most people don’t follow through with New Year’s resolutions is because they fail to chunk their goal down into manageable steps that they can do everyday. Something like “I’m going to exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week.” Might be an example of this.
It’s important to have that broad vision, but without manageable bite-sized steps, you’re goals are likely doomed.
Like the other comments here, I have also given up New Year’s resoluitons. I do make the occasional resolution from time to time, but I don’t tie it to any single day or event. A resolution to me, is something more than a goal. It’s something that I will do. Not something to work towards, but something to just do. In a way, it’s stronger than a goal for me. I don’t know if the dictionary definition would define it like that, but that’s how it ‘feels’ to me.
One resolution of mine was to read books. I realized one day that I had been wasting time with magazines full useless information. And, watching too much TV with useless programming. So, I picked up some classic literature, and started reading. Now, I always have a book or two on hand.
Like you and the others here, I also like to set goals throughout the year, and find that more useful than a New Year’s resoluiton.
This is so true, John. All of the hype of New Years resolutions set us up for failure. And it’s no fun failing at what we thought we really wanted–but there’s the rub, if we really wanted to succeed at these ‘New Years Resolutions,’ or goals, then we would! It’s a matter of transforming the resolution into a goal, as you said, and from there deciding if it’s what we really want, while looking at the factors. If we don’t really want it in our hearts, then we won’t do it. Simple as that. Great post, it really got me thinking. Thanks to this, I will be setting goals rather than far-fetched resolutions come New Years Day.
Hey John.
It is nice to see this written about far from New Year’s Day, because it lets us look at it from a distance. You are right about the emotion part here. I don’t even remember what was in my plan the last day, or the one the year before.
Solid message here to keep us grounded in reality and realistic thoughts, instead of getting caught up in a whirlwind that is ephemeral. We might as well make today the day a resolution is to be listed, although we can call it a goal.
A twist on the normal way to do it would be like the goal/challenge that Bud and Diggy have made that ends at the end of December.
Good focus on a topic that I hadn’t seen discussed at a time other than around New Year’s Day before.
I gave up New Years resolutions. A year is too long – for me at this age I forget what I resolved or loose my list. I’ve blogged about my four times a year (solstices and equinox’s) when I do goals – I figure it’s a 90-day stint – I can do (and remember to do!) anything for 90 days.
Just to keep me on track I’m also a journal junkie. The first of each month I do an “assessment” on how the goals are going, what new stuff has cropped up, etc.
I like how you even suggested a weekly thing. You know, John, whatever anybody does to work on their goals is a good thing. As long as it gets into the doing stage and not stay in the thinking/writing about it stage.
Many blessings as you work on yours! And thanks for the mention, you are a sweetie!
@Carla – Hey Carla! The beginning of the year all the way to the end of the year – do it whenever you want. Goals, NYrs, they’re all the same.
(What was your resolution? I should’ve asked at the end of the post…) Keep on achieving your goals, Carla
@Tristan – Hey Tristan, I do agree with you and Carla. It’s just the feeling of having a clean state on which to draw upon your goals. Everyday is a day to work towards your dreams. There doesn’t have to be a special day on which you can reflect upon your life and your progress.
Thanks for your thoughts on this one, Tristan
@Dani – That’s right, Dani! Hope for the best all year round. Glad you enjoyed the post!
@Gerlaine – Right on, Gerlaine. Set goals because you want – don’t feel as if you need to. In all honesty, I love New Year’s. I can reflect on the changes I’ve made last year. But goals will come and go all year long.
Glad to have your input.
@Jay – ha ha, nice one Jay
And I agree: setting goals is much better than relying on just one. Thanks for stopping by, my friend.
@Zeenat – Ha ha, Zeenat that’s awesome. I wish I had thought of that – I completed my NYr in October
I really admire your creativity. There’s not a doubt in my mind that you’ll achieve your goals
@Clayton – Really great thoughts on this one, Clayton. Yes, this ties into my last post – rely on the benefits/experiences of the goals to keep you going. Don’t set a goal just to be able to say “This is my NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION.” No. Unless you have a history of always achieving them, I suggest you stay connected with your goals and work towards them the normal way.
Thanks Clayton
@Eric – It’s great that you’ve attached your own personal meaning to a resolution. It doesn’t matter what in means in the dictionary. What does it mean to YOU? According to your definition, set your resolutions. You will achieve them.
Thanks for a new spin on an old term.
@Brittany – Hey Brittany, welcome to the blog! Here at HiLife2B, we like to challenge ourselves and the social norms that’ve raised numerous thoughts in our minds. The New Year’s Resolution is one of them. Throw away the label and just focus on the achievement.
I’m sure you’ll achieve whatever goal you set, as apparent by your excellent grasp on the subject
Thanks for stopping by, and hope to see you back here soon!
@Armen – Hey Armen, nice to see you here. Ha ha, yeah, why do you think I didn’t post this on New Year’s Eve?
Bud and Diggy have made quite the stride in gaining subscribers…maybe I should join their challenge…
I hope you remember this post when the holidays come around. Thanks for sharing your insights
@Suzen – Hey Suzen, thanks again for inspiring me to do this post
I think I’m too hyper and restless to pick a goal a year. I have to be always doing something profitable that adds to the achievement of my dreams. I hope we all can keep moving forward. I want us all to achieve what we wish to achieve. One day, we’ll look back and say, “It’s been a long journey, but look how far I’ve come…”
No problem, Suzen, for the mention. I’m touched
Resolutions need to have deadlines, or they’re just wishes. Wishful thinking is quickly overtaking baseball and overeating as the great American pastime.
Good post, friend. You’re making good things happen here and I can tell things are picking up every time I visit.
When do I get that guest post from you? You send me an email and then vanish? I want it!
@Josh Hey Josh! Must’ve missed you
I’m so happy you like my posts. It really means a lot. My ultimate resolution is to truly help people, but I think about it everyday, not just on New Year’s!
I’m really sorry man. I didn’t forget about the guest post at all. I barely have time to write posts and reply to comments, but I’ll definitely make time for that post. This week I hope to have it done (in addition to Char’s).
I wanted to simplify my life this year so I cut out one thing per month I wasted money on.
It’s a great plan and now I’m sliding into home plate. I’ve done very well.
So you can look at it as 12 parts to a resolution or 12 goals. It works!
Oh about your complaining:
Stop complaining for 3 weeks. When you catch yourself start your 3 weeks over again.
What you will notice is we complain about the same stuff over and over (ie gas). You’ll also notice how often you complain.
New Year’s resolutions are essentially goals with almost no commitment. It is really like goal setting for the masses. That is why most people don’t ever quite achieve their resolutions. I think you made a great point about the fact that people don’t really do much after the first week and by the end of the first month those are forgotten.
I like change but it doesn’t come at the beginning of the New Year but during the course of it.
It gives us something to talk about when we go back to work
Hey John,
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here. I think the reason most people make such grand resolutions, is because they have already set themselves up to fail. Because of the huge stigma surrounding New Years resolutions, no one actually expects you to follow through. By stating a resolution, most people can prove that they are aware of what they need to change and that right there is a step.
I don’t think anyone can make a change unless they truly want to. I’m struggling to quit smoking, because I just don’t want to. I know the negative effects, and yet I continue to spend $7.00 on a pack every few days. I’m guilty of waiting for something to give me a reason to change my habits. And when I find a motivating reason, it will be so much easier to quit.
Great article, keep it up!
@Tess – Hey Tess! You’ve given another interesting take to approach achieving your resolutions. I’m glad you’ve been making progress.
I’ll also try out your tips to stop my incessant complaining habit. It even annoys me sometimes
@Srinivas – Personalize your goal, even your resolution, and you’ll be sure to achieve it. Thanks for your insights, man.
@Bunny – Nice one, Bunny. Very clever. Thanks for sharing your insights
@Steven – Ah yes, back to the 9-5. I don’t plan on getting a job, but yeah, I guess a resolution serves some purpose. Thanks, man.
@Lex – Hey Lex! Welcome to the blog!
I see what you mean. I myself would set them just it really seemed like the right thing to do. In reality, I was making a resolution at all – just a blind promise that somewhere in my heart, I knew I wouldn’t follow through with.
Your dilemma to quit smoking is a pressing one. Indeed, it will take a mountain of effort on your part, but I believe you can do it. It just takes constant effort, a plan, and a little bit of luck.
By the way, death and fear aren’t motivators. Just because someone lists the negative effects on a box, it won’t be enough to deter the addiction. What you need to focus on are the benefits to yourself – your own personal life. In your opinion, what will be better after you completely quit. Visually explore the experience in your head. Play it over and over until it sticks. If you hit another wall, play it again until you can get over that wall.
You can quit smoking, but just believe that you can (by envision a better life without the cigarettes) and you’ll make achieving your goal that much easier.
Thanks for stopping by, Lex. Come back soon, okay?
Loved the post John – thank you! I must say that I have been lucky when I have set my resolutions…
Each year for the last 2-3 years I have said that I want it to be the year of…. where I try the whole year (not every day) to do whatever.
For example. Last year was the year of looking after myself. This meant getting more active (I took up soccer) and generally trying to be healthy.
This attitude carried on to this year which was the year of good eating (for our family). I still play soccer (now futsal because soccer is finished for the season) and we eat really well.
Don’t get me wrong, it is not all health food, but GOOD food. Really nice food to eat. Salmon smothered in spinach and pinenuts, wrapped in puff pastry, complimented with roast potatoes, honey carrots and broccoli – yum!!!
If I look back over the last few years, then I can say that I have achieved my resolutions – especially when my hubby tells me that we eat really well!
Have a great week,
Kirsty
@Lisis – That’s because you’re one of a kind, Lisis
Those resolutions all sound terrific (Poor Hunter ha ha kidding. I’m sure you’ll continue to be a wonderful mom)
Good luck with all of your resolutions!
@Kirsty – You’re just like Lisis, Kirsty!
That’s sound delicious (making me hungry over here). Your family is very lucky to have a mother and wife like you.
Congratulations to you on achieving your resolutions – I’m sure your life is awesome because of it. You have a great week as well
Ooooh! I LOVE resolution time. I look forward to putting together my resolution list… I resolve to:
1. Try 10 new flavors of Ben & Jerry’s.
2. Learn some really cool new hobby.
3. Buy myself a book from my amazon wish list.
4. Travel to any city where I can meet up with a friend.
5. Torture Hunter with daily hugs and kisses.
I don’t think I’ve ever failed at keeping my resolutions. I am one dedicated and seriously disciplined person.