Every year around this time, people all over the world choose to look back and reflect on the year they have had. What is something you would like to change? Going to the gym, eating healthier, and keeping your room clean are all extremely common New Year’s resolutions. But, are these resolutions really effective?
On one hand, many people are skeptical. This is because if there is a change that you want to make in your life, why wait for a new year? Why not just initiate the change on any given day? A new year is symbolic of a new beginning, a reset to the way your life has been previously playing out. While obviously, you could make a resolution any day of the year, it is scientifically proven that people are more likely to follow through on these plans, following the start of a new year.
In an article by Wavelength written by author Jessie Wood, she interviews Leo Babauta, host of the podcast Zen Habits. Babauta states, “People who choose to make a New Year’s resolution are 10 times as likely to keep them over people who pursue improvement in another way.”
The idea behind New Year’s resolutions is to take the lessons you’ve learned over the last 12 months and cultivate a new rule or guideline for your future self to abide by. I would recommend anyone reading to think of a New Year’s resolution, and try your best to hold yourself accountable!
