The Last Resolution

According to Merriam Webster, a resolution is a “firm decision to do or not to do something.” With the new year about here, many people will make resolutions that they will probably never keep. Or maybe keep them for a month or so? It is interesting to me how this phenomenon began.

Historically, the first recorded people to set new year pledges (later to become known as resolutions) are the Ancient Babylonians some 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians are also the first civilization to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the new year. Though for the Babylonians the year began not in January, but in mid-March, when the crops were being planted. New year resolutions for the Babylonians were intertwined with religion, mythology, power, and socio-economic values. The Babylonians believed if they fulfilled their new year promises, then the Gods would look favorably upon them in the new year.

Today’s resolutions typically are more focused on self-improvement. I resolve to lose weight. I resolve to get in shape. I resolve to spend more time with my children. A 2023 survey by Forbes Health found that the most common New Year's resolutions for Americans include: improving their fitness, getting their finances in order, taking care of their mental health, losing weight, and improving their diet.

So why do we wait until the new year to fix or address a problem that we are already aware of? And why do we even need to declare a resolution to begin to tackle the problem? I wonder how many times people make the same resolutions every year?

Instead of making a resolution, make a change. To resolve to fix something is much easier than just fixing it. It seems like a completely unnecessary step that just creates false hopes and little accountability. If you feel the need to make a “resolution” to address something, then you probably have lacked the mental strength to actually do something about the problem for some time.

Researchers suggest that only 9% of Americans that make resolutions complete them. In fact, research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolution by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January.

Let’s all resolve not to make resolutions anymore. Instead, let’s recognize the things we need to improve upon in our lives and take action immediately. Be accountable. Be proactive. Be better.

Identify what needs to change. Make a plan. Expect set backs. Establish short and long term goals. Be accountable to yourself and to others. Eliminate the need to make resolutions and exchange them for self-evaluations of your progress on your personal goals.

I hope that everyone has their best year yet in 2024!