Why You Shouldn’t Set New Year’s Resolutions & It’s Not Because of COVID-19

For many people, (me included), New Year’s resolutions are often left forgotten. We either procrastinate on it or simply push it to the next year, and then the next, and the next…

Well, it’s time to stop setting New Year’s resolutions.

It Doesn’t Work

Some people believe that by setting New Year’s resolutions, they will be able to achieve greater things in the new year. But did you know that 80 per cent of New Year’s resolutions fail?

This is because they are often made based on emotions, and not logical future planning (i.e. goal-setting). Only 8 per cent of these resolutions are actually seen through.

So if your resolution is to save more money in 2022, it’s probably because you feel guilty for spending too much in 2021.

Resolutions are also typically based on what you think you should be doing, for example spending less, instead of what you need to do, which is to save more.

There’s a big difference between should and need.

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Goals vs Resolutions

Now, you’ll probably be asking yourself: “Isn’t a New Year’s resolution like a goal I set for myself?”

The answer is no. Instead, there’s a difference between a goal and a resolution.

According to the dictionary, a resolution is defined as “a firm decision to do or not to do something”. For example, not having bubble tea daily.

Meanwhile, a goal is defined as “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result”. This might mean consuming less bubble tea to lead a healthier lifestyle.

But what happens after you reach a goal? You set more goals, and then more.

Resolutions also fail because there is a lack of commitment. Resolutions don’t have meaning, and neither do they add meaning to your life.

When you first start on your resolution, you may feel a certain sense of motivation to push through with it. However, it never lasts. Neither is it sustainable.

Instead, you should set regular SMART goals, and not just set emotions-based resolutions at the beginning of the year.

SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

An example of a SMART goal is this:

“I drink only 1 cup of bubble tea a month from 1 March 2022.”

And from 1 March 2022 onwards, you can set another SMART goal after you’ve received your first goal.

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