Do you know if New Year's Resolution works?

Breakdown small, achievable changes or tasks rather than trying to overhaul

New Year’s resolutions are a popular tradition in which people set goals or intentions for the coming year. While some people swear by the power of a resolution to bring about positive change in their lives, others are more skeptical. Some argue that setting unrealistic or overly ambitious goals can lead to disappointment and frustration, while others don’t believe in the concept at all.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it’s important to remember that the beginning of a new year is a natural time for reflection and goal-setting. Whether you call them resolutions or something else, taking the time to think about what you want to accomplish in the coming year can be valuable.

One approach to New Year’s resolutions is to focus on making small, achievable changes rather than trying to overhaul your entire life at once. This can help you build momentum and increase the likelihood of success. For example, instead of resolving to “exercise more,” you might set a specific goal like “go for a 30-minute walk three times a week.” This way, you have a clear, measurable target to work towards. I am a living example of this.

Another key to success is to be realistic about what you can achieve. Don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to do too much at once. Instead, try to identify a few key areas where you would like to make progress and focus on those.

In addition to setting specific, achievable goals, it can also be helpful to break your resolutions down into smaller steps. For example, if you resolve to “learn a new skill,” you might create a plan that involves setting aside a specific amount of time each week to practice or study. This can help you make steady progress toward your goal rather than feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand.

Ultimately, the key to making New Year’s resolutions stick is being kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall short of your goals — instead, view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. And remember, it’s never too late to start working towards your goals — whether it’s January 1st or any other day of the year.