By Louise Kiernan

Another thing that January brings is those dreaded New Year Resolutions (face melts into the floor….)

Do we even like them? Do they even work? Why do we do them? So many questions!

Well, here’s a quick summary:

  • New Year resolutions date back to Roman times when people used to make promises to their Gods. It was all about self-reflection and fresh starts.
  • So many people do not keep their resolutions! Usually this is because the goals aren’t realistic. The gym membership is a classic- they sign up and three months later they never go again!
  • Each year about 66% of Brits get ready to make resolutions. 97% of Gen Z and 86% of millennials intend to set goals.
  • Only 16% of people who make resolutions report keeping them for the entire year, while about 11% abandon their resolutions within the first month!

So, what should we do? Make a resolution or forget it?

It’s up to you. There is no pressure. If you feel like you are doing okay, keep on going. But if you know you want to push yourself further, go for it! But make sure you don’t overcommit!

Here are some top tips on how to potentially get the best out of your resolutions in 2025:

  • Be realistic
  • Write it down- stick it somewhere you’ll see it
  • Be flexible- we all have bad days
  • Track progress- celebrate small wins

The biggest key is action; take it. Less talking, more doing! (Unless talking is your resolution, of course!)

Personally, I have year-round goals that I review through the year, and for me, this works much better! I feel like New Year adds pressure that I just don’t need! Isn’t life full enough?

Photo Credit to Arina Krasnikova on Pexels