How to Set New Year's Resolutions You Will Actually Follow

New Year's resolutions have been a tradition for centuries, stemming from various cultural and historical practices. As we usher in a new year, many of us embark on a journey of self-improvement by setting goals and resolutions for the year ahead. However, the statistics show that a significant number of these resolutions fail within a few months. In this blog, we will explore the origins of New Year's resolutions and the common reasons behind their failure. Moreover, we will provide you with practical tips on setting and following through with your New Year's resolutions.

The Origins of New Year's Resolutions

New Year's resolutions have a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. The tradition can be traced back to the ancient Babylonians, who made promises to their gods at the start of each year to return borrowed items and pay off debts. The Romans continued this tradition with their own version of resolutions in January, named after the Roman god Janus, who symbolized beginnings and transitions.

Ancient Babylonians

The earliest recorded New Year's resolutions can be traced back to ancient Babylon, around 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians celebrated their New Year during the spring equinox, but they had a similar practice of making promises to their gods for the year ahead. These promises often involved returning borrowed items and paying off debts as a way of starting the year with a clean slate.

Ancient Romans

The Romans adopted and adapted many Babylonian customs, including the tradition of making resolutions. Their New Year, which originally fell in March, was later moved to January, named after the Roman god Janus, who had two faces, one looking back at the past and the other looking forward to the future. This transition provided a symbolic opportunity for Romans to make resolutions and seek Janus's blessings for the year ahead.

Medieval Christianity

With the spread of Christianity, the tradition of New Year's resolutions evolved further. In medieval times, the practice of making resolutions became intertwined with the Christian concept of "watching" or reflecting on one's sins and vowing to lead a more virtuous life in the coming year.

Why Should You Start a New Year's Resolution?

Fresh Start

The start of a new year signifies a fresh beginning, a clean slate, and an opportunity for self-improvement. This symbolism encourages you to drop bad habits and set new goals. “New year, new you” gets thrown around sarcastically, but honestly, when is a better time to start a new healthy habit? 

Reflecting on the Past Year

The end of the year prompts you to reflect on their achievements and areas where they fell short. This reflection can inspire you to make positive changes and be real about the direction you are going towards. 

Social Enforcement 

New Year's resolutions are a social norm. Many people openly discuss their goals, which can create a sense of accountability and help you resist peer pressure. For instance, if you want to give up drinking on weekdays and someone starts to peer pressure you, you can fall back on your resolution as an excuse. 

Why Do New Year's Resolutions Fail?

Despite their popularity, New Year's resolutions often fall by the wayside for various reasons:

Unrealistic Expectations

Setting overly ambitious goals can set you up for failure. People often aim too high, making it difficult to maintain their resolutions.

Lack of Planning

Failing to create a detailed plan or roadmap for achieving your goals can leave you feeling lost and discouraged.

No Accountability

Keeping your resolutions to yourself can lead to a lack of accountability. Sharing your goals with friends or family can help keep you on track.

Lack of Motivation

As the initial enthusiasm fades, motivation can wane. Without a strong reason or incentive to keep going, it's easy to give up.

Negative Self-Talk

Self-criticism and negative self-talk can be detrimental. Replace self-doubt with self-compassion to stay motivated.

Tips for Setting and Following New Year's Resolutions

Now that we understand why resolutions often fail, let's explore some practical tips to help you stay on track:

Start Small and Specific

Instead of aiming for a massive transformation, begin with small, specific goals. Break down your resolution into manageable steps to make progress more achievable.

Create a Detailed Plan

Outline the actions you need to take to reach your goal. Set deadlines, milestones, and track your progress regularly. Use a habit-tracking app or use a good old-fashioned journal. This will help you stay organized and focused. 

Share Your Goals

Tell a trusted friend or family member about your resolutions. They can offer support, hold you accountable when you need it most, and praise you when you stay on track!

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key to success. Develop daily or weekly routines that align with your resolutions to maintain steady progress.

Reward Yourself

Celebrate your achievements along the way. Rewarding yourself for reaching milestones can boost motivation and reinforce positive behaviors.

Find Healthy Replacements for Unhealthy Habits

For those embarking on resolutions related to going alcohol-free, adopting a vegan lifestyle, or going gluten-free, brands like Gigli can be your trusted companion. Gigli offers a wide range of alcohol-free beverages, vegan options, and gluten-free products to support your journey. 

Celebrate New Year's Eve with Gigli

As you ring in the New Year, consider celebrating with Gigli for a hangover-free start to the year. Gigli's alcohol-free alternatives provide the same great taste as a cocktail without the adverse effects of alcohol. Instead of alcohol Gigli has 5-10mg of THC and a blend of 4 superfood extracts! You can enjoy a night of festivities and wake up on New Year's Day feeling refreshed  and ready to tackle your resolutions head-on.