Rashmi Bora Das
Special to CSMS Magazine
As the calendar flips to January 1, the air fills with a sense of renewal and hope. For many, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and set aspirations for the one ahead—hence the tradition of New Year’s resolutions. Rooted in history yet enduring in relevance, resolutions are promises we make to ourselves, aiming to improve our lives in small or transformative ways. But how many of us truly stick to these ambitious goals? From ancient Babylonian practices to modern-day Quitters Day, the journey of resolutions has always been as fascinating as it is challenging. In this article that follows, seasoned writer Rashmi Bora Das explains why resolutions matter.
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It was the morning of January 1. Sitting in front of the TV and browsing through channels, we happened to come across a program of New Year’s Eve celebrations at Times Square NYC. A media person was interviewing some of the crowd about their resolutions for 2025. One among them said that she plans to have a regular sleep schedule.
“That’s what we need to catch up on, right? To sleep a good eight hours should be our goal, ” I said. The younger man in my house replied, “Guess so, Mama”. His sheepish response spoke volumes that he was not at all confident about keeping his word, being the night owl that he is. I did not ask him if he had any other new year’s resolution in his mind.
Tracing the concept to 4,000 years ago
History records show that the ancient Babylonians were the first people to make resolutions during the new year. However, for them it was not January but mid-March when the year began with the planting of crops. During a 12-day religious festival, Akitu, they made a promise to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects that they had borrowed. This ancient practice of making promises is considered the forerunner of people making new year’s resolutions in modern times.
Rather unimpressive statistics
Over the years, research has shown that on an average, only nine percent of people keep their new year’s resolutions till the year-end. If you are not aware, you will be amused to learn about Quitters Day. It is the second Friday of January and is kind of a yardstick for how long resolutions last for some! The percentage of adults who abandon their promises by that day is 23%, and that number increases to 43% by the end of January!
There are several reasons why resolutions made with excitement end up in a fiasco! This is not an inclusive list but rather some of the major triggers that need to be watched out for.
Sometimes, making resolutions becomes more of a fad
At times, there is no genuine interest in setting a goal. People think of doing something simply for the sake of looking or sounding good. If, for instance, one does not enjoy reading books and makes a resolution to be an avid reader, would he or she not lose interest very soon? So, stay away from making a resolution driven by peer pressure or the need to keep up appearances!
Setting unrealistic expectations
Everything cannot be accomplished at one go, so one should take one step at a time. If you are planning to lose some weight, don’t expect that you can starve yourself and shed off the pounds in the first week of the year. Go slow. Cultivate healthy eating habits, exercise, and be patient while working towards your goal.
Not having accountability makes one care less!
Unless you create accountability, you are highly vulnerable to giving up on your resolutions. Involve a friend, a family member, or a co-worker who is sincerely interested in your well-being and motivates you. Being responsible to someone to achieve the goal acts as a catalyst to remain committed to the resolution you set.
Just thinking does not work
There needs to be a concrete plan in place in order to remain firm in one’s resolutions. The plan of action needs to be clearly defined. It is very important to set up a time frame within which one should aspire to reach a milestone. Even the smallest of wins needs to be celebrated in order to move forward in achieving the final result.
Not expecting obstacles is being utterly naive
You are undoubtedly living in a fool’s paradise if you are thinking about a smooth ride to success. Be prepared for the road to be bumpy when you begin your journey. Obstacles are inevitable; consider them as learning opportunities rather than failures.
I hope for the new year to bring in smiles and sunshine but generally do not make any resolutions. I haven’t done it this year either. Have you made any? If yes, I wish you the very best until you reach the finish line!
Have a very happy, healthy, peaceful, and successful 2025!!!
Note: Rashmi Bora Das is a freelance writer settled in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA. She is the author of From Life’s Cove: Laughs, Musings, & More. You may visit her at www.rashmiwrites.com)
