Why do we give up our New Year’s resolutions?

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, people participate in yearly traditions. While some eat 12 grapes under a table and others sing “Auld Lang Syne,” we ponder what the new year may bring. 

New Year’s Resolutions are goals we set with the intention of making big changes in our lives. These resolutions often involve positive goals, such as exercising more or saving money. Though these goals seem simple enough, a high percentage of people who set these goals fail them quickly.

According to Baylor College of Medicine, “‘88 percent of people who set New Year resolutions fail them within the first two weeks.’”

People have so much anticipation to achieve their goals - so why do these resolutions fall short so often? Dr. Jeffrey Sargent, associate professor of psychology and the director of Global Engagement at Lee, says there are many reasons. 

According to Sargent, the excitement surrounding the new year leads us to set unrealistic goals.

“We're motivated. We're excited, especially here in the United States … you're kind of on a social and personal high,’” Sargent said.

This heightened state leads one to set goals without much thought or consideration.

“Usually we are making the decision in an emotionally excited state … we're thinking that motivation that we have today is going to be sustained at that same level over the period of time in which we want to complete the goal. And that's not realistic,” said Sargent. 

Though many who set New Year’s Resolutions fail to meet their goals, there are steps one can take to ensure completion.

“For you to be successful in any goal or any change that you want to make, [it should] be specific. It should be measurable. It should be challenging but realistic, and it should always be time bound,” said Sargent.

These ideas about setting effective goals are modeled on the goal-setting theory by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham. This method, which first developed during the 1960s, states that there are certain factors in goals that can enhance performance.

Another way to follow through on New Year’s Resolutions is through involving someone else in the goal.

“We're social beings, and when … you express your goal to another person, you yourself are part of the audience, and you're hearing yourself explain this. When humans make a public declaration … we're more likely to follow through on that declaration, because we do feel accountable to that person,” Sargent said.

Involving another person in your New Year’s Resolution — an “accountability partner” — can improve your chances of success.

More than a month has passed since the New Year. Whether you have kept your resolution, given up on your resolution, or have yet to make a resolution, setting goals depends on strategies. Besides, it is always the right time to make plans to improve your life.