As the new year rolls in, many of us feel inspired to set resolutions aimed at self-improvement. Whether it’s committing to a healthier lifestyle, saving more money, or learning something new, New Year’s resolutions offer a sense of hope and a fresh start. However, despite the excitement, it’s common for these resolutions to fall short. There are several myths surrounding New Year’s resolutions that often lead to disappointment. These myths can make us believe that achieving our goals is easier or harder than it is.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common misconceptions about New Year’s resolutions. By understanding these myths, you’ll be better equipped to set realistic, achievable goals that work for you. Let’s break down the truth behind these popular myths and learn how to make resolutions that stick.
A resolution often stems from emotions and typically lacks clear destinations or directions. For example, some people promise to avoid junk food, others commit to exercising, and some resolve to save money. However, these commitments usually don’t last more than a week or a month.
In reality, we need to be practical in recognizing what we are doing wrong and setting limits to correct those behaviors. Below is a list of the most common New Year’s resolutions. People mostly make promises on the following during New Year:
People mostly make promises on the following during New Year:
- No Alcohol Drinking
- Quit Smoking
- Be Fit
- Studying Regularly
- Saving Money
- Start travelling
- Spending more time with loved ones
- Donate more
- Have a healthy lifestyle
- Love oneself
- Be bold
- Follow one’s heart, and the list goes on
Don’t tell us you never took up any of the above resolutions. These are indeed the most ordinary ones on every person’s list. Now, let’s jump to the myths revolving around resolutions taken on New Year’s Eve.
Let us see what the myths on this fact are…
Myth #1: They really work
New Year’s time is just an excuse to make a new beginning. There is a saying that resolutions are meant to be broken. Still, people who know that they need to get rid of a few bad habits make resolutions and they do not work always. It is just a myth that promises made on New Year work.
But there’s a silver lining to it. Try to go as specific with your goals as having broad and open-ended ones. For example, ‘stop eating regular chocolate’ might be more achievable than ‘staying healthy.’
Myth #2: They really make a lot of sense
Many people believe that making a New Year’s resolution is a sensible approach to self-improvement, but they are mistaken. A resolution is simply a way to pave the path toward a better future. If you are aware of the areas in which you need to improve, why wait for the New Year? Start today by believing in your ability to change. Research shows that individuals who make promises during the New Year often struggle with self-confidence.
By now you must have figured out that I am against New Year’s resolutions. But don’t get me wrong. What I also believe is that there need not be one time to decide new things. Instead, you can try the 22-day rule which might have a better chance of working. 22 days is less than 365 days, right? So you can more likely develop a new habit, and possibly also retain it.
Myth #3: Big ambitions are preferable versus to little ones
Instead of taking those giant steps, consider taking those little ones first. Whenever you commit yourself to doing something new, remember it takes time. For example, if you pledge to save 35% of your monthly salary, the first two months, or so would look great, but the real challenge comes when you are not consistent enough. This might affect people mentally as they are not able to meet their goals and just end up paying bills week after week. Instead of manually saving month after month, it is always a great option when you set up automatic deductions of whatever amount you want to save into your savings account. By doing this, you can be confident of accomplishing your goals easier.
Finally, the last myth.
Myth #4: Only a resolution can make a better you
A Lot of people think that a resolution can make them better. That is just a myth. The fact is that only when you think you can make yourself a better person, then you can. It can be mid of the year end of the year or beginning of the year. The time does not matter.
Did you know some of these facts about New Year’s Resolution?
- Most New Year Resolutions are on staying fit.
- 75% of the people keep their promises only for the first week of the year and then forget it.
- Only 8% of the people keep New Year promises for the entire year.
- Research indicates clear, realistic resolutions raise the chances of achievement.
Myth #5: The 22-Day Rule Is Universal
The idea that habits can be formed in 22 days is a widespread belief, often quoted as the magic number for creating new routines. However, this rule oversimplifies the process of habit formation. While it may work for simple, small habits, such as drinking a glass of water every morning, more complex goals, like regular exercise or maintaining a healthy diet, take much longer. Research has shown that the time it takes to form a habit can vary greatly.
- According to a study in the European Journal of Social Psychology, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days, with the average being 66 days.
- The variation depends on the complexity of the task, individual motivation, and external factors. Instead of focusing on the 22-day mark, it’s more productive to focus on the process of habit formation itself—starting small and gradually building consistency. The key is persistence, not rushing the process.
Myth #6: Sharing Goals Publicly Guarantees Success
Many people believe that sharing their New Year’s resolutions with friends, and family, or on social media increases their chances of success by holding them accountable. While accountability can indeed help some individuals stay on track, sharing goals publicly may not always have the desired effect. Research shows that telling people about your goals can lead to a sense of premature accomplishment. When others acknowledge your intention to change, your brain may interpret this recognition as already achieving the goal, which can reduce motivation to act on it.
- Furthermore, fear of judgment or failure may prevent you from being honest about your progress, leading to discouragement and ultimately abandoning your goal. For most people, sharing resolutions selectively with a close circle of trusted supporters or a mentor is far more effective. These individuals can provide practical advice and constructive feedback, which is much more helpful than public praise or pressure.
Myth #7: Motivation Is Enough to Keep You Going
Motivation is often seen as the driving force behind achieving New Year’s resolutions, but it’s important to recognize that motivation is temporary and unreliable. At the beginning of the year, motivation might be high as you envision your goals, but this excitement tends to fade as obstacles arise or life gets in the way. Without a strong system or structure in place, it becomes easy to fall off track. The truth is, that motivation alone isn’t enough to sustain progress over time. Instead, discipline and consistency are what leads to long-term success.
- By setting up systems—such as creating a daily routine, tracking progress, or using reminders—success becomes more about building habits rather than relying on fleeting motivation. For example, if your goal is to read more, schedule a specific time every day to read and keep a book nearby. These small systems help you continue toward your goal even on days when motivation is low, ultimately leading to success.
Interesting Statistics About New Year’s Resolutions
While there are millions of people worldwide making resolutions, only a few end up keeping them. Here are some interesting statistics about the percentage of people who keep failing from the start to the end of the year.
- Of the total 100%, 22% of people fail to keep their resolutions after the first week.
- And after a month, the percentage increases by 18, meaning a total of 40% fail to keep their resolutions.
- After the first quarter of the year, 50% of resolutions are said to fail.
- And on the completion of 6 months, a total of 60% of resolutions fail.
Common New Year’s Resolutions?
62% of those making resolutions feel pressured to do so.
Women (64%) tend to feel slightly more pressured than men (60%) to make resolutions each year. When it comes to age groups, Gen Z feels the most pressure to commit to a resolution at 39%.
80% of goal-setters feel confident they can stick to their resolutions throughout the year.
But this is easier said than done. 20% of those making resolutions will actively keep themselves accountable when sticking to their goals.
Those over the age of 55 are 3.1x less likely to set New Year’s goals when compared to younger adults.
This could be due to many reasons – this group may have already reached several life goals or they may be more realistic about the odds of actually making those resolutions happen.
79% of New Year’s goals involve improving health.
This can range from increasing fitness levels (48%), boosting mental health (36%), and improving diet (32%).
Only 6% of adults will make resolutions to travel more.
Other less common resolutions include incorporating regular meditation (5%), drinking less alcohol (3%), and better work performance (3%).
Those ages 18 to 24 are more likely to have fitness-related resolutions.
Of this group, 53% plan to exercise more, and 51% plan to eat healthier. However, those ages 25 to 44 tend to focus more on financial resolutions, with 58% listing budgeting as their top goal for the year.
85% of people with resolutions believe the impact will extend beyond a single year.
Up to 25% believe their resolution will have an impact lasting one to two years, and over half see it extending into five years (57%).
More than half of New Year’s goal-setters plan on improving personal relationships and learning a new hobby.
57% of people will make a point to create stronger social connections, such as improving relationships with family and friends. Additionally, 55% of people will embark on perfecting a new hobby throughout the year.
How did New Year’s Resolution start?
Around 4000 years ago, the Babylonians initiated the tradition of making New Year Resolutions. During their 12-day Akitu festival, starting in March to mark the beginning of the spring planting season, they would solemnly promise commitments to their gods. Rome also did the same thing, after the reform-minded emperor Julius Caesar tinkered with the calendar and established January 1 as the beginning of the New Year circa 46 B.C. And in Chinese culture, resolutions are often made during the Chinese New Year, which typically falls between January 21st and February 20th. The resolutions are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Just like a few good things come to an end, all bad things also come to an end. To end a few bad things and habits, we make New Year’s Resolutions. It is a very common thing to make promises to change in New Year. But what happens to those promises? Making a New Year’s resolution is also considered a myth by many. Well, that might or might not be the case but if there’s one thing that’s certain it is that you can save big on all your expenses in the coming days with New Year offers!
So, have you changed your mind after reading this blog or are you still planning to make some resolutions this new year? Even if you are planning to make a few promises, make sure you follow them religiously and inculcate them for your good. In the end, all we want is to leave behind all the sorrows of the last year and hope to kick off the new year with utmost joy!
