Every New Year, it’s the same old thing for most people: New Year’s Resolution. We always have goals to accomplish all that will last the whole year or better yet, forever. Resolutions like eating healthy, regular exercising, and being punctual are popular promises people make, but only a few can actually fulfill them. There are many reasons why New Year’s Resolutions fail, and I listed the top ten.

1. Making resolutions just because it’s New Year. If you are simply going with the customs of having a resolution on January 1, chances are, you really won’t be able to accomplish it. Simply making one just because your friends do it too isn’t going to change anything. Resolutions can be made at any time of the year. Once you have really decided to do one particular thing, don’t wait for New Year. Start right away.
2. Setting very high, and sometimes, unrealistic goal. A goal like “I want to make $100,000 this year” while not having a good job is out of reach. Make it into something like “I will budget my money well so I can save $100,000 in a few years” is much better. Setting a high resolution is going to upset you because you know you can’t reach it.
3. Lacking a support group. Join a club or organization that has the same ideal as you have. For example, for weight loss, there are many websites that offer support to its members. You talk to others having the same problem, and telling them about your development or worries will really help. You can also ask your friends and family to help you with it and not tempt you otherwise.
4. Having too many resolutions. If you have lots of resolutions, you will easily get disheartened at the start. Imagine having fifteen resolutions to fulfill in one year. Especially if they are big ones, like learning a new language, it would be very hard. Also, if you make too many changes in yourself, in the end, you won’t be happy.
5. Forgetting the resolutions. When New Year’s Day comes, write your resolutions immediately. People forget a lot of things, including promises when no one reminds them of these. Every month or so, look back to what you have written.
6. Not telling others about your promise to self. Tell at least one person about your resolutions. If it’s a secret, just write it down on your journal. Simple ones like being punctual and complimenting others are easier to accomplish when other people know about it. They can constantly you of it, and push you to keep your promise.
7. Not keeping tabs on the improvements you make. For every pound you lose or every chocolate you resisted, it is an improvement. You can write on your diary what you have accomplished, so you’ll be pleased that something has changed. If you’re not into writing, maybe telling it to a close friend will do. Both of you can celebrate along the way.
8. No big reason for making the resolution. Probably you want something done, but think about why you want it. To help you do this, think of the positive effects it will have on your life. Will you have a better lifestyle? Will the people around you like your attitude more? Sure, there will be obstacles along the way, that’s why having good reason to continue the resolution is important.
9. No incentives to fulfill the resolution. Are you going to be punished if you don’t do as you promised? What will you get by performing your resolutions? It’s better to have rewards and punishments because it will force you to do it. Talk to a friend. If it’s a she, tell her that you will buy her something every time you fail your resolution.
10. Not being committed to the task at hand. If you don’t like your resolution, you’ll not be able to do it for a whole year. You should be enthusiastic about it, or at least use some effort to it. What you do with your resolution is up to you. No one can force you, unless of course, you made a bet or something.

Making New Year’s resolutions is just a tradition people make to change for the better. You can do it any other time, if you’re dedicated. For some people, resolutions are just fun to think about, even if they won’t seriously consider doing it.

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