Why arent we more successful at keeping our New Years resolutions?
Why Do We Make New Years Resolutions?
In many ways, the ritual of making resolutions on New Years is arbitrary.
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After all, we can set goals at any time.
Then the ritual of making resolutions can serve as a motivator for us to commit to making those changes.
Jennifer Kowalski, a licensed professional counselor atThriveworks in Cheshire, CT, agrees with this assessment.
Consequently, the desire to make resolutions can be especially strong.
So why do we even bother if we know our chances of success are slim?
According to Bly, As humans, we do tend to be optimistic in the face of evidence.
Why Resolutions Fail
Unfortunately,optimismalone wont result in the change we want.
[But] as humans were not wired to make big, sweeping changes.
And so they make it unattainable by not setting smaller, more immediate goals.
[But] as humans were not wired to make big, sweeping changes.
However, many of our resolutions tend to involve things we feel we should do.
But when we focus on what we should do, were not focusing on whats in it for us.
Instead, Bly explains, we need to know our personal reasons forour goal.
If that’s to go to the gym, we need to dig deeper and ask ourselves why.
[We need to have an] understanding of… what is the thing I want for myself?
How might I get that?
That is going to be way better than a should.
This indicates that people who make New Year’s resolutions on a whim are unlikely to succeed.
Butreal changerequires incremental changes so we can make ourselves comfortable with the change and ensure the change becomes habitual.
It’s about getting yourself in the habit of doing [new things].
Forbes Health.2024 New Years Resolutions: Nearly Half Cite Fitness As Their Top Priority.
Griffiths M.The psychology of New Year’s resolutions.The Conversation.
