Are New Year’s Resolutions Worth It?

A new year is upon us and it shouldn’t be the reason why you want to do better. 

A change in a digit on the calendar is not the motivation people think they need. Positive change should occur year round with strong intention. Many people set fitness, financial, academic and other personal goals as soon as a new year begins. 

While it’s great that people want to make positive changes, the New Year shouldn’t be the reason.

According to Inc.com, an overwhelming majority fail to fulfill their resolutions for the new year. The statistics show that the motivation isn’t working. There are various ways to find inspiration for growth in life and none have to do with a new year. If a new year is the reason for implementing change in one’s life, it might just be the case that the change will not successfully be implemented.

Desire for self-enhancement comes in many ways. Growth fueled by self-reflection and life experiences is far more effective than what comes with a new year’s resolution. A list made every December surrounding shortcomings developed over the last year and waiting until January to work on it isn’t so effective.

Important lifestyle changes such as exercise, meditating, etc. work better when they are routinely practiced. When someone goes from not exercising at all to going crazy in the gym, they are bound to feel dissatisfied with a potential lack of results within the first few months. According to Glofox, 80% of January gym joiners end up leaving their memberships within the first five months. Most people who began fitness journeys at one point struggled with the first few months. Ultimately, their motivation being something other than a new year helped them push through the toughest challenge. 

Many people who are routinely working out have been doing so for well over a year.

It goes to show that growth is not something that comes easy nor does it come fast. 

That is the downside to the new year’s resolution. It creates the expectation that lifestyle changes can create quick and effective results. The fact is, a new year is not going to do anything beyond make your calendar look different. A resolution should be rooted in something with more substance.