Written by: Paul Weeden, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, many of us eagerly embrace the tradition of making resolutions for the coming year. Intended to make positive changes in our lives, these resolutions often serve as a roadmap for personal growth. However, the practice of making New Year's resolutions comes with its own set of pros and cons. To truly understand the impact of these resolutions, it is crucial to examine the reasons behind our choices and how our personal history can serve as a reliable predictor of future outcomes. Unless we make repeatable decisions that are sustainable, achievable and realistic, rather than one-offs or short-lived fads, we may find that our resolutions will have taken a back-seat by Valentine's Day.
A few advantages of New Year's resolutions
1. Goal setting and motivation
Setting resolutions provides a clear sense of direction and purpose, motivating individuals to work towards specific goals. This goal-setting process can be a powerful catalyst for personal development and achievement. This time of year can really be a great opportunity to jumpstart our lapsed routines.
2. Renewed focus on health and well-being
After the festivities and over-indulging, many resolutions revolve around health-related goals such as exercising regularly, eating well or getting enough sleep. This focus on well-being can contribute to improved physical and mental health by promoting a holistic approach to self-care. We would benefit from making a real effort to understand the counter-motivations that have historically led to our less successful well-being outcomes, for example, when we have over focussed on short-term gains and instant gratification.
3. Opportunity for positive change
New Year's resolutions represent a fresh start and an opportunity for positive change. The symbolic beginning of a new year can inspire individuals to break away from negative habits and encourage a mindset of growth and improvement. We need to keep in mind longer-term goals that will help us focus on the short-term achievable goals, for example, a short-term goal to go to the gym regularly could lead to greater competitive challenges in the longer-term.
Some disadvantages of New Year's resolutions
1. Unrealistic expectations
A common pitfall of New Year's resolutions is the tendency to set overly-ambitious goals. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment, potentially derailing the initial motivation to make positive changes. For example, never drinking alcohol again or exercising to maximum potential every day: although these may sound like good ideas at the time, you're unlikely to feel the same way in a few days or weeks. An unplanned, spontaneous two-hour walk or run outdoors might have been fun and exciting today, when it wasn't a commitment! But it's unlikely to be sustainable if you're not used to this level of fitness. Better to start small and build on it little and often. Otherwise, it is likely to remain something you wait to feel inspired to do, rather than something you can commit to right away!
2. Short-lived enthusiasm
The excitement of the new year may initially fuel enthusiasm for pursuing resolutions, but this energy can wane over time. As daily routines and challenges persist, individuals may find it challenging to sustain the same level of commitment throughout the year. Over time, we will most likely find more and more reasons not to do rather than to do. Today it’s our cough or cold; tomorrow it's a delivery we can’t miss; next week we just have too much work on etc.
3. All-or-nothing mentality
Some individuals approach resolutions with an all-or-nothing mentality, viewing setbacks as failures rather than opportunities for growth. This black-and-white thinking can be detrimental to the overall journey of self-improvement and lead us to believe, 'I’m just built this way rather than that way; others are luckier than I am; I’m just not designed to keep fit.' Or talented enough, or whatever habits we are trying to entrain.
The role of personal history
Understanding the impact of New Year's resolutions requires reflecting on personal history. Our past experiences, successes, and setbacks shape our behaviour and decision-making. History serves as a reliable predictor of future outcomes unless we consciously make an effort to change negative habits.
1. Identifying patterns
Examining our past resolutions and their outcomes allows us to identify patterns in our behaviour. Recognising recurring themes enables us to make informed decisions about setting realistic and achievable goals for the future. If we keep not going to the gym more than going, then maybe it really isn’t for us? Why not join a sports team or club instead this year!
2. Learning from mistakes
Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable in any journey of self-improvement. Rather than viewing them as failures, we should see them as valuable learning experiences. Analysing past mistakes can help us adjust our approach and develop resilience, so this time, we can plan with our previous failures up-front rather than hiding from them.
3. Building on successes
Celebrating past successes, no matter how small, can provide a confidence boost. Acknowledging our ability to overcome challenges fuels a positive mindset and reinforces the belief that change is possible. If in doubt, do something small anyway: no one has ever regretted completing light achievable activities that were not too far from their comfort zone! Any achievement is better than none at all.
Conclusion
While New Year's resolutions offer a valuable opportunity for personal growth, it's essential to approach them with a balanced perspective. Understanding the pros and cons allows us to make more realistic and sustainable commitments. By reflecting on our personal history, we can leverage past experiences to navigate the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, making the journey of self-improvement more intentional and fulfilling. In order to make our objectives more likely to succeed, having a coach or accountability buddy is a really good way to invest in ourselves and make our goals a reality!
Thank you for taking the time to read my New Year 2024 article. If you enjoyed reading it, then you may also enjoy my helpful news emails and eGuides around purpose and authenticity.
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Paul Weeden, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Meet Paul K. Weeden, a holistic and integrative mental health therapist and coach and very excited to and honoured to be able to share and support the Brainz community. With 12 years of experience, he helps people overcome anxiety, depression, and achieve work-life balance. His journey involves self-development, exploring practices like meditation, yoga, martial arts, music, and sound, empowering countless individuals on their path to personal growth and well-being. With an MA in Music and Sonic Media and training in integrative psychotherapy and embodiment coaching, Paul takes a holistic view of healing. He combines mind, body, and soul to facilitate profound transformations in his clients' lives.
