New Year's Resolutions: What's the Deal?

Part of my resolution this year is to become more financially independent, and in doing so becoming a freelance writer. So, in an attempt to hold true to my resolution I am taking a look at resolutions, where they come from, why they are made, and why very few can seem to keep them.

Let's begin with the definition of a resolution. A New Year's resolution is a "commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous." The name comes from the fact that these commitments are made at the dawn of a new year and are kept until it has been fulfilled. (1)

The tradition of making a resolution with the New Year dates all the way back to the Babylonian days. While those traditions were not as those we see today, such as "to quit smoking", "to lose weight"; these resolutions were more of the "to return borrowed farm equipment" sort. (2)

Resolutions are made at the New Year because the New Year signifies a fresh start. It's a new beginning, and a chance to make a change for the better.

The fact is this; many resolutions are made out of nothing other than the sake of the tradition. If you say you're going to lose weight, and do nothing to keep yourself motivated...How can you expect to keep this resolution? The attitude, expectations, and commitment you have about the said resolution when you make it have a tremendous impact on your ability to keep it or not. There is a huge difference between saying something and doing something. To resolve to lose weight means more than just buying that gym membership. It means getting up and going, not just once, but several times, consistently. And just because you've gone so far as to get the membership and use it, doesn't mean you can go on without changing any other habits and expect to see a loss in pounds. Many people take one step, instead of the numerous ones required in actually following through. So, when they've done something and see nothing, they give up.

To better illustrate my point, I gathered some statistics. "40 to 45% of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. The following shows how many of these resolutions are maintained as time goes on:
- past the first week: 75%
- past 2 weeks: 71%
- after one month: 64%
- after 6 months: 46%"

The top resolutions generally deal with losing weight, better money management, or spending more time with family. (3)

Using my own example from above, if I write this article and stop...Yes, I have a taken a step, I have done something, but have I done enough to see a tangible result? No. Is this reason to abandon the resolution? No. No matter how large or small, how simple or complex, all resolutions will take work. And if you can actually follow through with just one, they pay off will certainly be worth the work you've put into it.

I plan to expand on this topic later in another article with tips for keeping your resolutions. Stay tuned. If you're interested in following my progress on my resolution, add me to your favorite CP's and see how many articles I submit!