Top 10 New Years Resolutions that NEVER Get Completed

This article is from our print magazine issued January 1st 2022. To order a copy of the magazine please do so here.

As the year begins, it’s a good time to set goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. However, it can be tough to stick to resolutions. Below are the top 10 resolutions that never get completed.

Eating Healthier

Many people make this resolution to lose weight, but if they expect immediate results, it may fail. The beginning of the year can be motivating, but healthy weight loss takes time and patience.

You should set clear goals, be patient, and focus on how you feel rather than your appearance. Even if weight loss isn’t your goal, eating healthier can still be rewarding.

Getting In Shape

Like the above, this resolution gets left behind due to expecting a physical change. A person might start working out 4-5 times a week, pushing themselves harder than normal. But, after 30 days, if they don’t see the results they want, they get burnt out and quit.

A way to keep this resolution is to find your “why”. Do you want to run a 5k? Do you want to lift weights? Be practical about how much you can work out, and how fast you want results.

Cutting Out/Down Alcohol

Poor planning can lead to this resolution failing. What if a wedding comes up, or it’s been a stressful day at work? Depending on your drinking, especially if there’s a possible history of addiction, you may need a plan.

If you feel pressured to drink more than your goal, a support system, whether friends or family, may be able to help. Also, find what “cutting down” is for you. Do you want to cut out drinking during the week? Or reduce it to one nightly glass of wine? Find something you can adjust to long term.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking is usually a stress reliever, so quitting without adopting healthier habits could lead you to return to it.

Find different ways to relieve stress when you get the urge to smoke. You’ll want to replace the habit so it’s easier to manage quitting. Make a cup of tea, go for a walk, etc., try different methods, and see what sticks.

Saving Money

When this resolution gets made, it’s sometimes too vague. Do you want to save weekly? What’s your goal for saving? What’s a realistic amount to start saving?

Break down how much and how often you want to save. Find a reasonable amount of money to start putting away, stick to it, and you’ll achieve your goals.

Starting A New Hobby

Finding new interests requires time and commitment. This resolution can get dropped because of believing “I don’t have time for this”.

Dedicate real-time to the things you love. It's easy to get caught up in life, but if you're honest with yourself, you can devote an hour or two a week to a hobby you enjoy.

Stress Management

Not knowing how to manage your personal stress or anxiety can leave this resolution incomplete. You may think yoga or meditation is the way to deal with stress, but those activities may not appeal to you.

Find a stress reliever that you enjoy. Make sure it’s something you look forward to, and it will become a daily habit.

Being More Social

This can be caused by peer pressure, which isn’t a healthy way to begin a resolution. Especially if you’re introverted, this one may be outside your comfort zone.

Start by participating in the things you love most. Find events that you enjoy instead of attending ones that aren't of interest to you. By being active in what you like, it’s easier to make connections with those around you.

Traveling More

Due to money and work, people are ready to sacrifice this resolution. It’s easy to rationalize that you don’t have the time or money to travel.

Maybe you can’t go to Italy for two weeks, but a weekend trip to a neighboring city might be possible. Or not a whole weekend, but a day trip instead. Keep the resolution by finding what’s manageable.

Repairing Or Strengthening A Relationship

This New Year's resolution may be difficult because it involves another person. You can’t know for certain how this resolution will pan out.

Do your best, make an effort, and do so without adding any expectation. It can be daunting, but you can’t achieve it without trying.

While we all make goals and resolutions, there are always a few that go unfulfilled. Get specific about your goals, manage expectations, and be patient. By setting these goals, you are probably already closer to achieving them than last year. Grow, live, and change the world. Keep growing and inspiring.