New Year’s Resolutions: Do They Work?

Traditions of New Year’s resolutions can be found everywhere, but their effectiveness isn’t always very effective. Lots of people begin the year with resolutions, but quite some number do not see it through. However, tackled appropriately (and perhaps even in the correct tone), New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to start a drive for personal growth and good change.

In this article we’ll look at whether they work, why they fail so often, and how to make resolutions stick this year.

How successful are New Year’s resolutions?

Research reveals that most New Year’s resolutions fail, but success is possible with the right approach:

• Statistics: Only 9 percent of people accomplish their New Year’s resolutions, according to the
• Journal of Clinical Psychology.
• Drop-Off Rates: According to Statista, about 23% of people give up their new years’ resolutions
• within the first week, and close to 64% drop them by the end of the month of January.
• Six-Month Mark: Only about 46% of people who eventually achieve their goals after six months are still working on their goals, meaning persistence is key to success.

So why do New Year’s resolutions fail?

1. Unrealistic Expectations

A lot of resolutions are too ambitious and people get frustrated and burnt out.
Solution: Set realistic, and incremental goals, that fit with your life style. For example, if you say you’re going to ‘get fit’, you should then say something like ‘exercise 30 minutes, 3 times a week’.

2. Lack of Specificity

I struggle with the vague resolutions such as “save money” or “be healthier” because there’s no way to know if you’re succeeding, and there’s no way to hold yourself accountable.
Solution: Resolve to make your resolutions SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound.

3. Failure to Plan

Typically resolutions serve as abstract ideas without a clear plan.
Solution: Make goals small and actionable. For instance, if you’re aiming to save $5,000, you plan to save $100 every week.

4. Lack of Accountability

This is why many people abandon resolutions, they are not being held accountable.
Solution: Partner with a friend or find a supportive community with who you share your resolutions, or use assistive tools like Fix My Life AI to help track your progress.

So do Resolutions Work?

If you approach New Year’s resolutions, by thought, they can be great. Here’s how they work for those who succeed:

1. They Provide Direction

Resolutions serve as a roadmap for you to concentrate on what is significant.

2. People encourage you to be better, to think about your own life.

Setting resolutions makes you think about what you did last year and what you want to work on.

3. They Motivate Change

Resolutions create a momentum in your mind that a sense of purpose and urgency, a desire to take action.

How to Put Resolutions to Work

1. Start with Reflection

Remember your past achievements and failures for a meaningful goal.

2. Set SMART Goals

Make sure your resolutions are clear, actionable, measurable. For instance, if you say “eat healthier,” resolve to “cook at home 4 nights a week.”

3. Use Tracking Tools

Check yourself so you get motivated and figure out places you need to change. Fix My Life AI provides tools to track, visualize and accomplish resolutions through platforms such as these.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Recognize milestones to continue strengthening positive habits and stay motivated.

5. Be Flexible

Need to adjust your goals as life throws in some road blocks.

How Fix My Life AI Can Help

Fix My Life AI is designed to make resolutions more effective:

• Customizable Vision Boards: Visualize your goals, to keep you inspired.
• Goal Tracking: You can monitor your progress with real time analytics.
• Personalized Insights: Get expert advice specific to your problems.
• Daily Motivation: You will get reminders and affirmations to keep you on track.

Examples of Good Resolutions

Personal Growth

• “I will read one book a month to increase my know how.”
• “And as we say, do practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes a day.”

Health

• “3 times a week for 30 minutes exercise.”
• 8 glasses of water a day.

Finances

• “Build an emergency fund, you can save $200 a month.”
• “Get $1,000 credit card debt paid off by the end of June.”

Conclusion

A defined and realist approach with the relevant tools is what makes New Year’s resolutions work. Although many resolutions fail based on epistasis (including both a lack of clarity and support), success is possible with the appropriate tactics.

Get started on kicking off your resolutions into achievable acts with Fix My Life AI and make this year your most productive and fulfilling year yet!

ADDITIONAL READING

Top Personal Goals for Work: Drive Your Career Forward

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail

How Many New Year’s Resolutions Fail