As 2012 kicks off we look back at the accomplishments of the past year, while looking ahead and making resolutions for the future. Each year on New Year’s Eve, approximately 50% of Americans make resolutions that will hopefully be carried out through the New Year.
Sadly, 3 out of 4 people never succeed in fulfilling those goals, even though the start of the New Year is a perfect time to turn a new page in your life. Why, then, do most people fail to achieve the goals they set out for themselves?
New Years Resolutions have existed for more than two millennia, so it may be helpful to analyze their history. According to historians, resolutions began with the Babylonians in 2000 B.C. and then advanced to the Romans.
Back then, some holiday celebrants undertook elaborate rituals to chase away the ghosts of the past, often utilizing cymbals and fireworks. Ceremonies included bonfires, processions, or parades.
The logic behind these traditions was that the demons of the past would be driven out by past sins and bad habits. A clean slate in the New Year would provide a release from these demons.
While making these resolutions is consistent with the history of closing the door on the past year and looking ahead to peace and prosperity, many people make resolutions that are promptly broken, abandoned, or forgotten.
A New Year’s resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. Researchers have studied the success rates of making resolutions, and found that for approximately two weeks most people have worked towards their goals, but by February most have given up and end the year.
According to University of Scranton psychology professor John Norcross, the top three New Year’s Resolutions are losing weight, quitting smoking, and exercising more regularly.
Some researchers have concluded that the goals people set are far beyond reach and unrealistic. Others have gathered that people are prone to procrastinating, so they keep putting off their resolutions until it is too late to succeed.
To be successful with your resolutions, focus on only one resolution, rather than several at one time. Also, set realistic and specific goals. For example, losing weight is not specific, but losing 10 pounds in 90 days would be.
Do not wait until New Year’s Eve to make resolutions. Make it a yearlong process that you can work on each day.
Furthermore, take small steps and avoid goals that are too big and don’t have a realistic time frame.
In addition, focus on the present, and what you can do now that will help reach your goal.
Finally, don’t take yourself so seriously. Have fun and laugh at yourself when you slip, and don’t let one setback stop you from working towards your goal.
Good luck and happy 2012!
