How often have you found yourself abandoning a New Year’s Resolution? If you’re similar to the majority, you’ve likely lost track of the attempts long ago.
According to psychology expert Timothy Pychyl from Carleton University, these annual pledges often represent a form of “cultural delay.” Pychyl argues that individuals create resolutions as a way to spark motivation, yet the challenge lies in the fact that true change requires genuine readiness, which rarely aligns perfectly with the start of January.
Why New Year’s Resolutions Often Fall Short
There are various factors that might explain why your New Year’s resolutions struggle to succeed.
1. You’re following the crowd.
Launching your commitment alongside the masses can lead to difficulties, as you may witness others quickly giving up, which can erode your own determination. If those around you are backing out, it becomes harder to stay committed. Instead, beginning ahead of the pack allows you to build momentum and achieve progress while others are still grappling with initial hurdles.
2. A January 1 start puts you at a disadvantage.
For those truly dedicated to personal transformation in the coming year, getting a jump start is advisable. Supporting evidence indicates that forming a new habit generally requires at least 20 days of consistent effort. In a detailed study from University College London, 96 participants selected behaviors they aimed to habitualize—ones they weren’t already doing and could repeat daily.
The research spanned 84 days and revealed that, on average, it took about 66 days for a habit to solidify. Simpler routines, such as drinking water after a meal, became automatic around the 20-day mark, while more complex ones demanded significantly more time. By initiating early, you could have a solid grasp on your new routine well before the calendar flips to January.
3. The best moment is right now.
Approach your resolution through incremental progress, treating it as a series of small, manageable steps toward your larger objective, whether that’s reaching a specific weight or establishing a routine. Starting even a couple of weeks before the new year means you’re already 14 days further along. For instance, if weight loss is your target, beginning 14 weeks in advance might position you much closer to your desired outcome by January. Every day contributes to your journey, turning intentions into tangible results.
Resolutions typically begin with good intentions, which is why many start with enthusiasm only to lose steam before mid-February. To maximize your chances of success, it’s wise to kick off early rather than waiting.
Here are additional strategies to help ensure your resolution thrives this year:
1. Avoid making it unpleasant.
Many individuals select resolutions they view as burdensome, leading them to postpone action. If maintaining a nutritious lifestyle feels like an obligation, it might not be the right choice. Opt for something that genuinely excites you—challenging yet desirable—to sustain long-term engagement.
2. Define clear objectives.
Without precise goals, achievement becomes elusive. For example, a vague aim like “saving money” lacks a endpoint—does it mean a few dollars or a substantial sum? Such ambiguity allows for easy excuses and superficial victories. Contrastingly, setting a specific target, such as saving $5,000 by the end of the year, provides a clear path, including weekly or monthly benchmarks, making it simpler to track and maintain.
3. Keep it achievable.
Aim for realism; if saving $5,000 in a year would require extreme sacrifices like skimping on essentials, it’s probably not feasible. Choose goals that align with your current circumstances and capabilities to build confidence and sustainability.
4. Develop a solid strategy.
Just as a journey needs a map, your goals require a detailed plan with defined start and end points. Remember, the beginning doesn’t have to coincide with January 1—empower yourself to start immediately. Similarly, the deadline doesn’t need to be December 31; feel free to adjust it to a six-month timeline or extend into the following year if it suits the change better.
Once dates are set, outline the daily, weekly, or monthly actions needed to reach your objective. After all, lasting shifts often evolve into habits over time, especially with consistent effort.
With your plan in place, the next step is selecting a resolution. This can be daunting amid a flurry of ideas, but the key is choosing one with staying power for the long haul.
Here are some compelling New Year’s resolution ideas for 2018 that might resonate:
1. Step away from social media.
While social media serves valuable purposes, such as connecting loved ones and keeping up with news, it can foster dependency. The instant rewards from likes and shares often lead to overuse, reducing real-world interactions. If you suspect an unhealthy attachment, this could be an ideal resolution to reclaim balance and presence in daily life.
2. Embrace a whole foods-based diet.
This modern twist on traditional health goals offers clearer guidance. By focusing on unprocessed, natural foods, it simplifies the path to wellness and is often more straightforward than expected, emphasizing fresh, nutrient-rich options for better overall health.
3. Begin investing.
In today’s digital age, investing is more accessible than ever through user-friendly apps like Stash, Acorns, and SigFig. Starting with modest amounts and maintaining consistency can lead to gradual growth, turning your finances into a reliable, low-effort asset over time.
Conclusion
When you share your New Year’s Resolution with others, skepticism is common—not because they doubt you personally, but due to the high failure rate overall. The difference now is that you’ve equipped yourself with thoughtful strategies.
By applying the advice here, you’re positioning yourself for what might be your most effective resolution yet. There’s no compelling reason to wait any longer—launch your plan today. If you’re aiming for a transformative year, adopting a fresh tactic is the way forward.
