Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail?

Have you ever wondered why it’s so hard to keep those New Year resolutions? Knowing the new year is an opportunity after much reflection, to attempt to improve ourselves in some manner. The problem is, we rarely think it through.

Some resolutions are for self-improvement like daily Bible-reading, to eradicate clutter, improve parenting skills, or eliminate debt. Most, however, are attempts at past failures like diet, exercise, or stopping a bad habit. This automatically starts you at a disadvantage.

Let’s remember, if it was easy, we’d already be doing it. Right? And, change is stressful. Here we are trying to make a challenging change, which does what? Create more stress. And what do we do when stressed or depressed? You got it – relieve our stress! That means, I’d want to eat, spend money, bite my nails, or whatever my bad habit was, then go to sleep.

The biggest reason resolutions fail, in my opinion, is due to change . . . too much, too quickly. Regardless of age, success occurs one change at a time . . . not multiple changes simultaneously.

Let’s use dieting as an example. Here we are overeating 24/7, eating sweets upon sweets as our main coarse, and eating out more often than not. Suddenly, we ring in the New Year. Pressure mounts knowing our new resolution means we need to change the way we eat. This could be why our New Year’s resolution could fail.

Here’s the changes it involves:

• Cleaning cupboards – Resist temptation. Throw out snacks, desserts, and fattening foods
• Shopping for new items and/or new places – Where do I find these? I can’t even pronounce the names of the ingredients.
• Block out extra time – Gotta find healthy recipes now.
• Time for a mental workout – Learning to cook new recipes takes concentration.
• Create new coping skills – What do I do when my tummy growls, or with my surmounting nervous energy?
• Carve out a new routine – More meals to prepare means more dishes too. Eating at the same time is a must.
• Time to memorize – learn new portions and serving sizes.
• Change your social calendar – refuse social engagements and family get-togethers to avoid not eating the wrong foods.
• What about packing lunches if you or your spouse works out of the home?

Without thinking of everything, it’s easy to see how much change occurs.

While I commend those who have the determination, resolve, and perseverance to conquer, and see their resolutions come to pass, I also believe an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. It is sometimes best to not make them, then to make them and fail.

With Covid, or any other major changes going on in our lives, it Is best not to make resolutions. There are always a few who need the distraction or push though, so know yourself and your abilities. Ask yourself how much change you can handle without going over the edge.

My favorite alternatives are to choose a word for the year that develops my character or spiritual growth. There were times I was so far behind, I knew I was first. That is when I chose the word progress. I literally didn’t care how much. As long as I didn’t move backwards or stay still, I rewarded myself. I’ve even chosen words like positive and productive. This year it is boldness as I want to be as bold in witnessing as the disciples were after the day of Pentecost.

The other alternative is to set goals. Take what you want to change and break it down into small parts. If exercise is desired, start by choosing what clothes to wear and what time works best, and other details. Move on to stretching before counting the minutes. Choose 3 days a week before going on to every day, and so on. This works with Bible reading, dieting, etc. Learn first then make a plan comprised of small steps.

Don’t be discouraged if your resolutions fail. Focus on something else or on making one change at a time.

Please share in the comments what you are focusing on this year. If you desire more encouragement in your life, make sure you are subscribed to this blog. I appreciate you sharing it with your friends also.

Have a blessed and wonderful 2021!

© 2021, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.