As the new year rolls in, many have made efforts to better themselves with resolutions. People all over the world celebrate the New Year by vowing to eat healthier, stop procrastinating, save money, or something entirely different. However, there are more benefits to making a resolution than meet the eye. Interesting and beneficial physiological effects go hand in hand with setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. Many more fascinating facts can be discovered about this entertaining celebration. Some guess that the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions began 30 years ago, while others guess 2,024 years ago. In reality, the tradition of New Year’s resolutions has lasted much longer. Some might wonder why this tradition lasted, while others could wonder why it started. 

While the exact date is unknown, historians have estimated that New Year’s resolutions were first made approximately 4,000 years ago. According to History, “The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, some 4,000 years ago… They also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. These promises could be considered the forerunners of our New Year’s resolutions. If the Babylonians kept to their word, their (pagan) gods would bestow favor on them for the coming year.” These promises that the Babylonians made to their gods were quite similar to today’s resolutions: a pledge to improve themselves. They believed that these promises, when kept, would bring them good luck and gifts for the New Year.

The tradition of making a New Year’s resolution has lasted a long time. Freshman Annelise Guerrero says, “It can really help people stay fresh for the new year, and really help them throughout the year.” Sophomore Ethan Morse says, “It makes people think about how they can become better about themselves and forces themselves to act about that.” Senior Kylah Rajan says, “I think it’s like a good way for like everyone to like motivate each other, and everyone wants to like, be better in certain ways, so I think it’s a good way of goal setting.” Junior Henry Tait says, “New Year, new you, and that comes with making resolutions.” Tait continues, “You feel better about yourself, you feel like you’re being productive.” All of the above are great reasons to continue a tradition like this.

Guerrero guesses the most popular resolution of 2024 is “probably being more physical.”  According to Forbes Health, “A previous Forbes Health survey on New Year’s resolutions for 2023 found that survey respondents were mainly focused on improving their mental health. However, the latest release of these poll results indicates a shift in focus toward physical health as a primary goal in 2024, with the majority of respondents citing fitness as a top resolution for the new year—except, interestingly enough, older adults (ages 78 and above), who still cite mental health as their main focus.” This is mainly because younger adults find staying healthy a major priority, while older adults have been there, done that. Additionally, staying physically active and healthy can be more challenging as you age.

While most who make resolutions are committed to achieving their goals in January, by next month, their determination has faded significantly. According to WebMD, “One study found that about 64% (nearly two-thirds) of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions within a month. It’s practically part of the tradition.” Although there are many reasons as to why we drop our goals so quickly, the main cause is simply lack of motivation. VeryWellMind says, “Why aren’t we more successful at keeping our New Year’s resolutions? Some reasons include the idea that we’re thinking too big, we’re not considering the ‘why’ behind them, and the fact that we may not be ready for change.” Change plays a major role in the confidence and motivation aspect of New Year’s Resolutions.

Interestingly, the lack of motivation might not be the only reason some struggle to maintain their goals. It could be the goal itself. Limeade says, “Research shows that you’re more likely to accomplish a goal that is specific and based on doing something instead of avoiding something.”

As February nears, the time that most give up on their goals gets closer every day. For those who need advice or motivation, Rajan says, “I’d say just like try your best to like stick with it, and it’s kind of nice to just do your goals with someone else so like you have someone to motivate you and you guys can like motivate each other.” Guerrero agrees, saying, “Just grab a friend that can help you, and that would probably help.” Another way you can improve your motivation is to have a reason to accomplish your goal. This year, Guerrero’s goal is to “have a positive mindset,” because she knows that “having a positive mindset can really affect how you see life and how you are during the year.” ABCnews says, “Start small and gradually build. For example, if you’re planning to start an exercise regimen, consider starting with going for a walk once a day for 30 minutes several times a week. Increase it until you reach the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.” For further advice, Morse says, “Just gotta stick to it and be dedicated.”

With many benefits and advantages, New Year’s Resolutions are a wonderful way to start the new year.