New Year's resolutions: we've all made them, and we've all probably broken at least a few of them. Whether it's vowing to hit the gym every day or finally getting your finances in order, these annual promises often seem like a great idea at the time. But why is it that so many New Year's resolutions don't stick?
To understand this phenomenon, it's helpful to examine the psychology behind these goals. There are a 4 key factors at play, including motivation, willpower, self-control, and social and cultural influences. Let's take a closer look at each of these.
1. Motivation
Motivation is the driving force behind behavior and the desire to achieve a goal. It can come from within, such as a personal desire to improve one's health or relationships, or from external sources, such as incentives or social pressure. For example, let's say you make a New Year's resolution to start running every day. If you're motivated by a desire to lose weight and improve your overall health, you're more likely to stick to this goal. On the other hand, if you're only doing it because your friends are also running and you feel pressure to fit in, your motivation may not be strong enough to sustain this behavior over the long term.
2. Willpower
Willpower is the ability to resist temptation or short-term gratification in order to achieve a long-term goal. It's like a muscle that can be strengthened over time, but it can also get tired or depleted if it's overused. For example, let's say your New Year's resolution is to quit smoking. In the early stages of this goal, you may have a lot of willpower and be able to resist the urge to smoke. But as time goes on and you're faced with more and more temptations, your willpower may start to wane. Strategies like setting small, achievable goals and rewarding yourself for progress can help boost your willpower and increase your chances of success.
3. Self-control
Self-control is the ability to regulate your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve a desired outcome. People with high levels of self-control tend to be more successful in sticking to their resolutions because they are better able to resist distractions and stay focused on their goals. For example, let's say your New Year's resolution is to get better grades in school. If you have good self-control, you might be able to resist the temptation to watch TV or play video games and instead focus on studying and completing assignments. On the other hand, if you struggle with self-control, you might find it harder to stay on track.
4. Social and cultural factors
Finally, social and cultural factors can also influence the success or failure of a New Year's resolution. The pressure to conform to societal expectations or the influence of friends and family can motivate some people to make resolutions, but it can also create unrealistic expectations or a lack of authenticity in one's goals. For example, let's say you make a New Year's resolution to become more organized. If you're motivated by a desire to reduce stress and improve your productivity, you're more likely to stick to this goal. However, if you feel pressure from your friends or family to become more organized, you might find it harder to stay motivated and committed to this change.
So, what can you do to increase your chances of success with your New Year's resolution? One approach is to use the SMART goal-setting framework: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. This will help ensure that you're not setting yourself up for failure from the start. For example, instead of resorting to "exercise more," a SMART goal might be "exercise for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week." This goal is specific (exercise), measurable (30 minutes), attainable (3 times a week), relevant (improving your physical health), and time-bound (weekly).
Another strategy is to create a habit-forming routine. This can make it easier to stick to your resolution on a daily basis. For example, if your New Year's resolution is to eat healthier, you might make a plan to pack a healthy lunch for work every day and have healthy snacks on hand for when you get hungry. By making healthy eating a daily habit, you're more likely to stick to this goal.
Don't be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or a coach. Having someone to hold you accountable can make all the difference. For example, if your New Year's resolution is to save more money, you might enlist the help of a financial planner or join a support group for people with similar financial goals. Having a support system can help you stay on track and provide guidance and encouragement along the way.
Learn form the past
Finally, take some time to reflect on past successes and failures. What has worked for you in the past? What hasn't? By understanding your strengths and weaknesses, you can set yourself up for success in the future. For example, if you've struggled with New Year's resolutions in the past, you might consider setting smaller, more achievable goals or enlisting the support of a friend or coach.
In conclusion, New Year's resolutions can be a great way to set goals and make positive changes in your life. But they're not without their challenges. By setting realistic goals, having a concrete plan in place, and seeking support, you can increase your chances of success and make meaningful, lasting changes. So, here's to a successful and fulfilling new year!