Without fail towards the end of December, we always hear the words ‘New Year’s resolutions’ being thrown around in conversations. It’s something thats talked about alot, and I’d really love to know where and who started this mess. When I was younger my resolutions was always to lose weight and get healthy, and always without fail I’d give up after a few weeks.
Perhaps thats why I’m not a fan of them. Because every time I have tried, I have failed. So really I don’t see the point because I know I will just fail it again. Why do we love to set ourselves up for failure? Why do we wait for a new year to make changes. It’s the same as “I’ll start on Monday” , which never works. I have never really been a fan of New Years resolutions, just purely for the fact that a new year doesn’t just wipe the slate clean. If you want to make changes then do it now rather than later.
I’d love to hear whether you set New Year’s resolutions or not! So be sure to let me know in the comments. Here are a few of my own reasons as to why I don’t set them!
YOU SHOULDN’T WAIT FOR A NEW YEAR TO CHANGE
I am the kind of person that doesnt wait till a new year to start something new. Its 100% understandable why people do it. If it motivates you to make a healthy change in life, then do it. But for me, I don’t ever wait for a new week, new day or new year to make a change in life. For me, holding onto it and waiting until a point further down the line means I probably wont ever do it. If I’m going to make a change that sticks, I need to do it then and there.
My mentality is if you’re worried about something, or are anxious to make a change in life then you shouldn’t wait around for the perfect time. The perfect time doesn’t ever come, nor does it exist.
I FORGET ABOUT THEM
I don’t know about you, but if you ask me in March what New Year’s resolutions I set for the year I will have probably forgotten. Life happens and the excitement of a new year gets forgotten about, along with New Years resolutions. Which is another big reason as to why I don’t set them.
I guess the novelty of them wears off after a while and you end up slipping back into old habits, or breaking the resolution completely. Which kind of defeats the whole object of the resolution, because it’s meant to be something you do all year.
I NEARLY ALWAYS FAIL
Without fail every year I start out really well and I do good, and then after a few months I quit or give up. So I don’t see the benefits of setting them knowing I will probably fail them. We set ourselves up for failure most of the time by making the objective too big or unreachable. Which is really not helpful. It’s almost like we self destruct in that way. Each year I used to set myself a resolution, knowing that I will quit and not be able to complete it. Why are we like this!?
I think there is this expectation from others that you must have a resolution too and if you don’t then you’re seen as unmotivated. Which I can tell you is of course not true. Its totally your choice whether you want to set them or not. Nobody else has a say.
THEY CAN CAUSE UPSET
From personal experience setting new year’s resolutions and then not achieving it or completing it, can cause such upset. You can feel like you’ve let yourself down, or let others down. Which is not a nice feeling at all. Nobody wants to feel defeated and like they cant do something, thats unfair to put yourself through that. I think the feeling of defeat can have such an impact on your mental health too, and I personally don’t think thats a good way to start the year.
We should start our year on a high and start it on a positive note. Don’t let New Years resolutions get you down!
WHAT I DO INSTEAD
So instead of setting a whole goal for the year, I sometimes instead set smaller monthly goals that I know are achievable for me. I do this alot with my blog, and it really helps motivate me but not overwhelm me. I like to set myself a schedule and write down the things I want to do this year. If I don’t achieve them, thats fine. Doing it this way helps me to feel less pressured if I don’t complete them. I find doing this instead of setting big new year’s resolutions helps so much more.
Do you set New Years resolutions?
Do you find you stick to them or break them?
What are your opinions on New Years resolutions?
Olivia x
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I totally agree with you! Even i dont wait for the new year to come and change everything in my life. I don’t make any resolutions either.
Why wait is what I say!
Same! I’m not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions too. They’re just something that comes along with the hype of “new year, new me” and that’s why people proclaim their resolutions but don’t commit to them anyway. I don’t think people really ever do take new year’s resolutions seriously. Great post, Olivia! Your reasons are on point. You don’t need to wait for the new year to change. It’s all about setting goals!
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You’re so right. Theres this invisible pressure I think when setting resolutions. And actually they can often become counter productive!
Habit is good for routine tasks like driving. But can be very bad for mental health. Tropes like new year resolutions are stifling and pointless. Repeated in dull rotation each year. Useless.
I agree, they are pointless. Especially when you know you’ll probably fail them anyway!
I stopped doing new year resolutions about seven years ago. Thing is, they made me feel bad about myself when I didn’t measure up. Again, what I do instead is track my success through schedule apps or calendars.
And I like to start immediately not waiting for another year.
Yes! They do make you feel bad about yourself, and I feel like thats the opposite of what they are intended to do!
👌
🙂 I do not set New Year’s resolutions either.
Why should I wait to do something that is beneficial for my well-being the following year when it could be done now?
Exactly 👏🏼
Thats the problem with new years resolutions i never stick to them lol in the past i have tried to change for other people, then I realised that it doesn’t matter what other people think about you, love yourself more, you are beautiful just the way you are and if someone else doesn’t like that then they can just F off , its your life and you live it the way you want.
Neither do I! Loved this Jack👏🏼
The first point is very powerful. I also do not believe in waiting for a new year to change. I know that there’s no better time to begin something than now. I however set new year goals. Just a general list of long-term goals then I out them aside and focus on monthly micro goals. They tend to be flexible, with less pressure and you end up performing or achieving more many times even surpassing the long term target goals.
A very good idea with the micro goals. They are must more attainable arent they. and they put less pressure on you too!
Yes, they are manageable and flexible.
I get the idea of the excitement of the new year and of the possibility of change, but I agree with you that we don’t need to wait for the New Year to make changes. I agree with you on the upset, true change is hard to come by, but can and does happen. Some people work well with strict goals and deadlines and others work better with a gentle push and on their on time. I’m the latter lol. Great post! I hope that all your dreams come true in the New Year 💖
Yes me too! New year brings along new things for some people. If you want to make positive changes then do it then and there rather than waiting for a new year to start.
I hope all of yours do too💛
Exactly! The “fresh start” is kind of nice though lol. Thank you 🙂
I always set some resolution and then it gets lost in the time. But I believe that’s better
Thats the issue I have, we often forget about what we set. So why bother setting them?
Yeah! Absolutely 💕
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I like your idea of shorter term resolutions that can be varied as things change. Things always change.
They are so much for achievable, and realistic. Small steps are still steps!
I can actually relate. I set goals and then fail to follow them after a few months
I think setting smaller goals is more effective
For sure, they really are. And I’d rather complete a goal than none at all. No matter how big or small it is
I totally agree
I’ve never made New Year’s resolutions. I’ve never figured out why people feel a need to make them.
Me neither🤣
Completely agree with you! Why wait? I never make resolutions, mainly because I never intend to keep them (no matter what I tell myself), and I truly can’t stand the “hype.”
Exactly, why wait! It really is a hype too!
I start something whenever I feel the need to change. It doesn’t matter when. I have set resolutions before but like you, I don’t keep it up. Smaller , manageable goals are best indeed. I simply set goals for the new year and then plan how to achieve them throughout the year. More likely than not it works out and I make headway without the pressure and disappointment.
Yes, such a great way to do it! I think the thought of not being able to do it, is what puts me off setting goals in stone!
That’s true. Nobody likes failure. Something I’m trying to remind myself is that failure is a part of growth and achieving success. It teaches you what not to do and informs you know that you that the have to adjust your plans to meet your goal.
Very well said👏👏
We are on same page here
Yes👏🏼
100% agree – always thought this!! Why not start tomorrow?
Exactly!!
Interesting topic! I just looked at my goals I stick on our cupboard, and I see I’m sporadic. None for 2020. Took a pic and will see if I can post it in this comment.
Hmmm, I guess there is no way to post an image from my gallery?
I guess not!
I’m sure you’ll think of some as time passes!
I thought of some since 2000 but I write them on heart shaped post it notes and stick them on our cupboard! A pic says a thousand words and I don’t want to type them so my new years resolution will be to find a way to share pics in a reply blog. Haha
I don’t necessarily call them resolutions, but I set small goals monthly or even daily. But it doesn’t take a new year for me to decide this either. I’m always trying to better myself. But I can see why people see the new year as a clean slate. Like when I wanted to lose a bit of weight, I called it a lifestyle change instead of a diet. That way if I decided not to workout a week or eat a few snacks here and there, I wasn’t beating myself over it. 😊
Yes I love this! Smaller, more achievable goals are what we should be setting ourselves!
I do take some time at the beginning of every year to set some SMART goals for the year. I call them goals, not resolutions. I re-evaluate them regularly during the year and change course if I need to. I find it’s motivating to be very specific with my goals. So, instead of saying “I’ll get in shape”, my 2020 goal was “I’ll work out for 30 minutes four times a week”. That makes it easier to keep track and stay motivated.
It’s all about balance. If you set multiple goals in different areas of your life, you’ll have a better chance of staying on track with some of them instead of feeling like a complete failure.
You’re so right, it is all about balance! Thanks for sharing this!
This is interesting. Even I don’t set new year resolutions rather I believe every day is a new day to start something new. If the decision is made, why wait until the new year? Glad to have found you.💕 You have amazing posts. 👍
Thanks so much! You’re so right in what you’re saying!
I’ve told myself I’m going to start swimming…. 16 years later…. My new years resolution is… I’m going to start swimming 🙄
My point exactly 🤣 There is no point to them because most of us don’t complete them!
Omg I’ve completely given up on New Years resolutions! It’s now or never, couldn’t agree more!
Yes! Now or never 👏🏼
Nice post. I don’t make resolutions. I keep my focus on staying positive and trying to help others. My faith keeps me going and that’s all I need.
I love this 🤗
Having a set date that you’re going to start just gives you an excuse to quit when you have a setback. It’s the same thing as always starting on Monday. Once you mess up you tell yourself you’ll do better next week instead of making the best of the current week.
You’re so right! It really does. Such a great way of thinking about it!
This is actually so true! Everyone get so excited for New Year’s resolutions but when we move on to the middle of the year, it seems to not bother anyone that much. I feel like sometimes, it is just a conversation starter. “hey, what are your resolutions this year?” I guess you can easily make small talks with someone that way.
I love your idea of taking things easier. Going with monthly goals is much better and more realistic and as you said, it is also do-able. I think this is the first time in a while I am reading such a great (honest) post.
Haven’t done resolutions in a while. I usually just have ideas on how i want life to go. So i roll off that. However I have decided to set SMART plans and goals for the new year. Most of which is based off my vision board. Although the vision board is just general. It’s not based on the new year nor this year. I agree on the why wait idea, as there’s no better time than the present
Yes, a few people have said the same thing about smart goals. They seem to be more effective!
Very much so, I’ve learnt and seen the effects of it this year especially
Totally agree with you, I have a whole year to do anything why just start at the begining of the year and give myself a headache and a mental torture. When I can start in June, September or December or now.
Exactly👏🏼
Same here, i used to. But don’t anymore. If you are going and want to do it “do it” thats my motto. Or set monthly goals. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Yesss 100%!!! 💜
If I’m being completely honest, I also believe that you shouldn’t wait until the end of the year to set new goals. However, in my opinion it can be nice to use the new year to remind yourself of pre-existing goals and potential milestones. Maybe they won’t necessarily come true just because I set them on January 1st, but it can’t hurt can it? Anyways, great post, very thought provoking!
No I don’t set New Year’s resolutions but I set goals throughout the year! This way, when I see something needs to change I change it