As we start off 2024, people get caught up in creating New Year’s resolutions to try and replace old habits with new habits. Although many desire to set goals at the start of the new year to get the feel of a “fresh start,” many studies have shown that most people are unable to achieve most of their long-term goals by the end of the year. Whether one’s goals are related to health, academics or finance, it is important to maintain the longevity of these new routines.

For most people, undergoing an immediate life change is not the most effective way to achieve a goal. It will eventually end up being easier to discard goals if they start to feel overwhelmingly difficult and people cannot keep up with their new routines. According to UC Davis Health, setting very specific goals will make resolutions more achievable since one knows how to approach them. Rather than trying to “eat healthier,” specifying to “eat two vegetables a day” will give a more measurable goal that will ultimately make it more achievable, since it can be checked off of a list. It is also important to make a plan with a set amount of rules for each goal to gain self-discipline and track how much one has achieved, and how much still needs to be completed. 

From time to time, resolutions might start to become boring, which makes them feel more tedious when trying to accomplish them. As stated by Harvard Health Publishing, tasks are more enjoyable when people gives themselves “a medal” after completing the task. Things like having a cheat day, receiving encouragement from loved ones or purchasing new items are all different types of ways to treat oneself that can make resolutions feel more worth it.

Naturally, there will come a time when one feels unmotivated to carry on with their resolutions. When one slips up, it helps to keep in mind that mistakes are an opportunity for growth, not a failure. The road to achievement is not linear, so there will be days when one needs to rest or take a break. Persistence is necessary in order to accomplish goals, not perfection.

Whether resolutions are for the new year, new month or new semester, it is good to try new things and experiment with change that might be beneficial in unexpected ways. Striving for self-improvement is never a bad idea, and with the right action it will bring positive outcomes.