What's the science behind people making resolutions only at the beginning of the new year and why don’t they stay longer...?

The tradition of making New Year's resolutions has deep historical and cultural roots. The practice dates back thousands of years to ancient Babylonians, who made promises to the gods at the start of each year to return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The concept has evolved over time, but the idea of self-improvement and setting goals at the beginning of a new year remains a common practice in many cultures.

From a psychological perspective, the motivation behind making New Year's resolutions can be attributed to a combination of factors:

1. Symbolic fresh start: The start of a new year symbolizes a clean slate, offering a psychologically fresh start. People tend to view the beginning of a new year as an opportunity to leave behind the challenges and shortcomings of the past and start anew.
2. Cultural and social influence: The cultural and social reinforcement of making resolutions plays a significant role. Media, social networks, and conversations often revolve around the idea of setting goals for the upcoming year, creating a collective momentum that encourages individuals to participate.
3. Reflective period: The end of the year is naturally a time for reflection. People look back on their accomplishments and failures, assessing where they are in life. This reflection can motivate individuals to identify areas for improvement and set goals for personal development.
4. Motivation and optimism: The start of a new year tends to bring a sense of optimism and motivation. Many people feel energized and inspired to make positive changes in their lives, and the beginning of a new year serves as a convenient time to channel that energy into setting goals.
5. Social support: The shared experience of making resolutions creates a sense of community and shared goals. Knowing that others are also striving for self-improvement can provide support and encouragement, making it more likely for individuals to stick to their resolutions.

However, despite the initial enthusiasm, many people struggle to maintain their resolutions. Common challenges include:

1. Limited self-control: Human beings are susceptible to the challenges of self-control. Behavioral change often requires consistent effort, and when faced with temptations or obstacles, individuals may succumb to immediate gratification rather than persisting with their resolutions.
2. Perceived failure and lack of resilience: When individuals face setbacks or perceive that they have failed in their resolutions, it can lead to a decline in self-efficacy and resilience. The belief that one cannot overcome challenges can contribute to abandoning resolutions altogether
3. Unrealistic goal-setting: One common pitfall is setting overly ambitious or unrealistic goals. When resolutions are too challenging or lack a clear, achievable plan, individuals may become overwhelmed or discouraged, making it more likely for them to abandon their goals.
4. Lack of specific planning: Setting a resolution is just the first step. Without a concrete plan outlining how to achieve the desired outcome, people may struggle to navigate the complexities of behavior change. The absence of a detailed strategy can make it difficult to overcome obstacles and maintain momentum.

That said, to increase the likelihood of maintaining resolutions, it's essential to set realistic and achievable goals, develop a specific plan, seek social support, and be prepared to adapt strategies in the face of obstacles. Additionally, understanding the psychology behind behavior change can empower individuals to make lasting improvements in their lives.