Do New Year Resolutions Work? 3-10 of 41
We're looking at reasons 3 - 10 why they may not.
Reason #3: Unrealistic expectations make the goal feel unachievable.
When making one or a few, getting excited about a New Year’s resolution is easy. Maybe later, you realize your resolution is unrealistic, and then you feel like you can’t possibly reach that unrealistic goal.
As humans, we’re not wired to make big, sweeping changes.
Big sweeping changes are stressful. Resolutions are often perceived as unnecessary, so you’re more likely to avoid excessive stress.
Reason #4: Focusing too much on outcomes instead of the habits that lead to them.
The best way to tackle a big goal is to break it into smaller ones. The same is true of habits. James Clear wrote an international bestseller about making small changes to your habits for remarkable results.
Reason #5: Social comparison on platforms like social media discourages progress.
It can also wholly drain your brain. Accountability and support groups are one thing. Trying to keep up with the Joneses is never a good idea.
Reason #6: Failure to track progress and celebrate small wins.
I’ve been tracking weekly wins for a year, and it feels great! I started as part of a course for Yogipreneurs, and it’s become a delicious habit. I was doing the daily Essentialists journal, but it became too much coupled with my gratitude journal practice, which is 2000+ days strong.
Reason #7: Lack of a concrete action plan.
Need I say more? If you don’t plan to win, you plan to fail.
Reason 8: Rigid "all-or-nothing" thinking leads to giving up after minor setbacks.
Here are two situations that may result in an all-or-nothing attitude:
Crisis Situations: When an immediate and clear decision needs to be made, such as during a medical emergency or a natural disaster, all-or-nothing thinking can help focus on action without getting bogged down in uncertainty or overthinking. This can lead to quicker and more effective responses.
Setting Boundaries: In situations where you must establish firm boundaries (e.g., in relationships or at work), an all-or-nothing mindset can help you stay firm. If you’re dealing with someone who disregards your limits, drawing a hard line can reinforce your stance and prevent further boundary violations.
You’re more likely to hold firm in a crisis or when setting limits. Resolutions? Not so much.
Reason 9: Hyperbolic discounting—choosing immediate gratification over long-term benefits.
Hyperbolic discounting is like eating a cookie now; even though you know, you’ll feel better later if you save it for dessert. The brain prefers instant rewards over bigger, delayed ones, even if the bigger reward is better in the long run. It's like when you think, "I could exercise tomorrow," but today, you’d rather binge-watch your favorite show instead. Our brains are wired to love the here and now, sometimes at the expense of future happiness, making those cookies (or couch time) pretty irresistible!
Reason 10: Attempting to tackle too many resolutions at once.
One of the maladaptive patterns we have as a society is to stack goals without taking anything away.
It’s what we do, and it’s not good. I propose a 52-week strategy. One practice a week to strengthen your overall mindfulness game. Build resilience weekly.