Every year, people make New Year’s resolutions and every year, they are given up on. Why is this the case and how many of us truly end up sticking to those resolutions we make come the new year?
What Are New Year’s Resolutions?
Historically, it is said that ancient Babylonians were the first people to make New Year’s resolutions some 4,000 years ago. However, they did not make their resolutions in January like us, but in mid-March when their new harvest began.
In modern times, a New Year’s resolution is a declaration or promise you make to yourself that usually requires you stopping a bad habit or adopting a good one.
For example, you may make a resolution to stop drinking or only eat chocolate on weekends. You could also say that you will start going to the gym three times a week or making healthier food choices.
See also: How Are Mental And Physical Health Interlinked?
Of course you can make these changes anytime throughout the year. But, with everyone adopting the “new year, new me” mantra, many people enjoy starting the new year with positive intentions. But do people actually stick to their resolutions?
How Many Of Us Stick To Our Resolutions?
It is all well and good setting these resolutions for yourself, but can you stick to them?
There have been several different studies done on New Year’s resolutions and how many people follow through, so there is slightly varied data. However, the general consensus is that not many of us stick to them.
In 2007, Richard Wiseman from the University of Bristol orchestrated a study involving 3,000 participants. This proved that despite some 52% of participants being confident that they would succeed, only 12% actually stuck to their resolutions for the full 12 months.
Similarly, in a 2016 study organised by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), researchers found that out of the 41% of Americans that made New Year’s resolutions, only a mere 9% were able to stick to them year round.
There can be many reasons why we all find it hard to stick to our New Year’s resolutions. But, don’t be too hard on yourself if you find yourself slipping away from your resolutions. They aren’t set in stone and your life can change in the blink of an eye. So, make sure to at least enjoy trying to stick to your resolutions this year.
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