Can new year resolutions really change our lives?

As the New Year approaches, millions of people around the world are getting ready to make a promise to themselves to become a better version of themselves.

New Year's resolutions have become a tradition, with people vowing to adopt healthier habits, pursue long-held passions and leave bad habits behind. But do these resolutions really work?

The answer is complicated. While many of us start the year with enthusiasm and determination, many, including myself, actually achieve resolutions. The problem lies not in the goals themselves, but in the way we approach them.

One of the main reasons resolutions fail is that they are often too vague and unrealistic. People set grand goals, like "I'm going to exercise every day" or "I'm going to eat only salads to lose weight", without thinking about the practicalities of how they will achieve them. When reality sets in, the motivation wears off and old habits creep back in.

Another reason is that resolutions are often focused on deprivation rather than growth. People focus on what they're giving up, rather than what they're gaining. This mindset can lead to feelings of guilt and shame when we inevitably slip up.

So, how can we make this New Year's resolution stick? After my quick research, I found out that we need to set specific, achievable goals. Instead of "I want to be healthier", try "I will walk for 30 minutes, 3 times a week".

Also, we need to focus on addition, not subtraction. Instead of "I'll stop eating junk food", try "I will add more fruits and veggies to my diet".

In addition, we need to break down our goals into smaller, manageable steps and identify potential obstacles. And last but not least, we have to track our progress and celebrate small wins; and not to be too hard on ourselves when we slip up.

Ultimately, the success of our New Year's resolution depends on our mindset. Instead of viewing it as a chore or a restriction, let us try to approach it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Let us focus on the benefits of our goals and remind ourselves why we started in the first place.

As the saying goes, "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great". So, let us take the first step and see where it takes us. Happy and fulfilling new year in advance!