Why New Year’s Resolutions Still Matter

A New Year’s Resolution can feel quaint or cliché, but it is an effective way to reflect, plan, and nudge ourselves towards the kind of year we hope for, writes Vanessa Obioha 

Making New Year’s Resolutions sometimes seems outdated, like what our grandparents used to do before chaos became part of our daily lives. Who needs to make those rules when you are going to break them anyway? Absolutely not needed, especially after Detty December.

So yes, it’s easy to dismiss the whole idea. But before you do, pause for a moment and think about it again. Maybe the issue isn’t making resolutions, but the way we approach them. Maybe it’s because we do it mechanically. After all, everyone else is doing it, and not because we actually need to. The truth is that most of us want to be better in some way.

While it’s true that you don’t have to wait for the fireworks of a new year to change your life, it is still worthwhile to take time to reflect on how you want the year to work out. This goes beyond prophetic sayings and personal affirmations. It is about being intentional.

Here are a few ways to make better resolutions for the new year.

Reflect on the Past Year

Sit down. Take a breather. Think about the year that just ended. What worked? What didn’t? What areas of your life need attention? Really taking time to reflect gives clarity, and clarity gives direction.

Go Beyond Intentions:

Planning is harmless. Necessary, even. What usually makes it feel like a waste of time is when it’s confused with intention. You may want to save more money or quit a bad habit, but without a clear and realistic plan, that intention won’t go far. If you want to stop drinking, for instance, saying “I will quit drinking” is not enough. Think about what actually needs to change. Maybe it means avoiding the lounge where you always end up drinking too much. Maybe it means finding other ways to spend weekends with friends that don’t revolve around bars, say, working on a project, volunteering, or simply doing something more meaningful together.

It’s also important to plan for failure. Things don’t always go as expected. Have an alternative. If one approach doesn’t work, what’s the next step? That way, you’re less likely to give up completely.

Appreciate Every Step

Life changes are not magical. They require our patience. Progress is sometimes slow and maybe messy. You can be doing everything right and still fall off track. When that happens, be kind to yourself, but don’t get comfortable. Avoid complacency at all costs.

Appreciate the small wins. Let progress matter more than perfection.

And finally, don’t stop trying. If you fail today, try again tomorrow. Be persistent. At the end of the year, you’ll take stock again.

For now, start each day with this simple question from Heather Small’s ‘Proud’: What have you done today to make you feel proud?