Do New Year Resolutions Actually Work?

Early January, the best time to Reflect, Reset and Restart. 

• Reflect on the previous year
• Reset and set new goals
• Restart and work towards your new goals.

Why Do We Set New Year Resolutions Though? 

According to Barton Goldsmith's article in Psychology Today entitled The Power of New Year's Resolutions, that the process of setting goals aiming to personal growth and change, positively affect our lives. The opportunity provided with the beginning of a New Year, inspires and motivates individuals to try for a more fulfilled life.

According to Dimitrios Tsatiri's article in Psychology Today entitled "How To Stick To Your New Year's Resolution", approximately 30% of adults living in the United States, set at least one new year's resolution.

Do These Resolutions Work?

According to Sebastian Salicru's article in Psychology Today entitled The Hidden Forces Behind New Year's Resolutions, new year's resolutions only succeed at about 8% percent. According to him, the resolutions do not succeed for various reasons such as:

• Unclear and Unrealistic Goals
• Lack of Motivation
• Lack of Discipline and Motivation

How Can We Achieve Our New Year's Resolutions?

According to Dimitrios Tsatiri's article in Psychology Today entitled "How To Stick To Your New Year's Resolution", the way to achieve our new year's resolutions is by:

• Setting Realistic Goals
• Take time and let yourself enjoy the process
• Do the best you can and see how far you have come
• Let a friend support and help motivate you

Another take on New Year's Resolutions however is Agnis Alice Mariakaki's, a Greek Psychologist. In one of her Youtube Videos entitled Do Not Set A New Beginning and here's why... (In Greek I am afraid), she states that if we set New Year Resolutions it is as if we abandon everything we have achieved until today and we start over. On the contrary, however, she supports that congratulating yourself on your achievements and being grateful for everything you have done, will keep you motivated to keep on going. 

No need to reset. Adjust and keep on going!

Have you made a New Year's Resolution or would you rather prefer to keep on working on everything you have achieved?

2026