Ah, the New Year—a time for fresh starts, new beginnings, and making promises to ourselves that we fully intend to break by February. Most resolutions made are repetitive and comically doomed. The gym membership taken on the 1st of January will not see the light of day by March, the healthy eating target, the strict diets, the saving money every month promise you made will slowly be forgotten once the year starts rolling out. Here is a look at the frequently made resolutions, their success rates and what can you do alternatively to ensure you have a productive 2024. As per the research conducted by HCF Australia with over 1000 Australians revealed that 82% of them set resolutions to stay healthy and exercise more in the year of 2023 but 46% of them got too busy to stick to them. The HCF research revealed that the most popular resolutions are to do more with physical activity, to lose weight or to eat healthier, to stress less, to chase financial freedom and to get more sleep. Another research from Finder.com revealed that 14 million Australians have set a new year resolution in 2023. Women are more likely to set these resolutions to eat healthier, look good and exercise more. Sadly, these resolutions are as easy to break as they are to make.

Here are some of the most broken New Year Resolutions:

  • The Gym Membership Conundrum: Every January, gyms experience a sudden surge in memberships, thanks to enthusiastic resolution-makers determined to get fit.
  • The Healthy Eating Hoax: You swore off carbs, embraced kale, and tossed out the sugar, only to find yourself knee-deep in a tub of ice cream by mid-January.
  • The Procrastination Predicament: This year, you promised yourself you would be more productive, tackle that never-ending to-do list, and stop procrastinating. Spoiler alert: You will start tomorrow.
  • The Social Media Detox Dilemma: Deleting social media apps from your phone seemed like a great idea until you realized you had no idea what your high school friend’s cousin had for lunch.
  • The No-Spend Nightmare: Vowing to save money and spend less is an admirable goal—until you pass by your favourite store’s “70% off” sign.
Can we break this chain in 2024 and set realistic expectations from ourselves? Yes, and here are some ways you can succeed in pursuing your New Year Resolution in 2024:
  1. Set Realistic Goals and Be Specific: Define your resolutions in clear, specific terms. If you have any health-related goals, speak to a doctor to see what an ideal diet or exercise regimen for you would be. Instead of vague goals like “exercise more,” say “walk 30 minutes every day.”
  2. Break it Down and Create a Plan: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your resolutions.
  3. Establish a Routine: Incorporate your resolutions into your daily or weekly routine. For example, Turn your workout routine into a Netflix marathon. Do jumping jacks after every 15 minutes or use your yoga mat to do an asana. It is a win-win for your health and your favourite show!
  4. Use Reminders: Set reminders on your phone or use apps to prompt you to work on your resolutions.
  5. Build Accountability: Share your resolutions with friends or family. Announce to friends that you have found the perfect diet – the “see-food” diet. You see food, and you eat it! Extra points for saying it with a straight face and ensuring they do not tempt you to eat what you decided you should not.
  6. Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use a tracking app to monitor your progress. Or better yet inform your best friend or the one who constantly takes a jab at you.
  7. Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and obstacles may arise. Reduce stress. Adopt the “No Drama Koala” attitude. When things get hectic, channel your inner koala, hug a eucalyptus scented stress ball, and remind yourself that life is too short to stress out in the land of laidback kangaroos.
  8. Reward Yourself: Celebrate your successes along the way. Treat yourself when you reach milestones to reinforce positive behaviour.
As we embark on another year of resolutions, let us embrace the humour in our perfectly imperfect selves. After all, laughter is the best medicine, and if your resolution were to take life less seriously, congratulations—you are already succeeding. Here is to a year filled with joy, laughter, and maybe a few broken resolutions along the way.

Reference

  1. HCF Reveals Australia’s most popular New Year Resolutions – 2023: Reference Link
  2. New year Resolutions 2023 – Finder.com.au: Reference Link
  3. Reach out – 5 new year resolutions worth making: Reference Link
  4. ABC News – More than 50% of New year resolutions fail: Reference Link

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This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.