Alexandra Konstanti

I am not a doctor, neither a psychologist, definitely not a life coach, nor a wellness specialist. I like to observe, to think something in a million perspectives, to gather information and write. And as I was thinking what this piece will be about, definitely in my mind was the celebration that all people as humanity and habitats of this planet have: The party that the earth managed to have one full orbit around the sun and we managed to stay alive one more spin, another more year. But this is not enough, this survival that I am referring to has long gone from our modern and privileged minds and gratitudes. We are talking about having the granted, and stepping further to personal goals, life improvements, year’ s resolutions.

The Science Behind New Year’s Resolution

The science behind this act that appears demanding (so demanding that, according to Forbes Health Poll of 2024, 60% of people feel forced to set new year’s resolutions) steps on the fresh start effect. The upcoming New Year appears a new chapter that you can start all over again and be better.

As people have the need to set a new scenery in their lives in order to feel rejuvenated and not in life repetition, they have also the drive for self-improvement and fulfillment. Setting goals and challenges is innate with human nature. This procedure goes hand by hand with the dopamine stimulation. According to neuroscience, defining aims is enough to trigger the centers of our brain that are connected with pleasure, regardless the result.

Last but not least comes the community which is a very important factor. Building social groups and connections is inextricably linked with setting collective goals. Human brain is again wired for organizing and proceeding to focused actions.

How To Make it Work

Resolution. Where did this word come from? Why don’t we say goal, aim, or intention, promise? Why don’t we say commitment?

Resolution means a decision or determination to do something. And sure, we need this decision to improve an aspect of our life that we realized its importance of betterment. The acknowledgment is the first step towards change is a very famous saying. However, it is one step. We need the willpower to stir things around to alternate our daily routine or our well “rehearsed” and played over the years behavioral patterns. And here comes the decision, the state that I am determined to do things differently. Is a decision a strong word, though? Is the re-solution, the analysis about our situation and our solution that has shaped in our minds enough?

Let’s dive in to discuss together about what is this golden recipe that makes a resolution last and becomes part of our daily life.

Decision: Is it a true one or is just talking? Is it yours?

A large percentage was stated above to show how many people are pressured by trend, social media, social environment, the coming new year itself to set goals. The resolution should belong to you. It is not supposed to be social pressure, expectations, or “normalities”, partner pressure, guilt talking or some influencer’s idea that you are envy of.

High expectations and big steps

Fake hope is another effect of the new chapter beginning. We fantasize about a perfect new year, we are full of hyperconfidence and we exaggerate. There is a tendency to make many big decisions and set unrealistic goals. Let’s face it: working out everyday for 3 hours, reading one book every month and cutting off completely the social media for a whole year are not realistic decisions. You cannot chase two rabbits and catch them both.

Gathering information and planning

Studies have shown that a most preferable and quality based assistance is more effective than all the help that you can get from support groups, apps, smart watches, books, and social media platforms all together. Planning small steps and measurable achievements (if possible) is more manageable and helps getting to your destination with strength and less kickbacks!

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel did the smart move and left breadcrumbs so that Gretel and him could find their way back home from the forest they were abandoned. Luckily in our case no bird will eat the crumbs- reminders of our goal. Little notes on your desk, some journaling, a reminder on your phone will help not to lose focus in the everyday life.

Commitment- The Magic Word

If a certain change resonates with you and you feel genuinely the need to grow in a particular aspect of your life, this is an actual commitment. It is a promise to yourself that you are dedicated to this task and the prize will be your life improvement.

A resolution, if you mean it, is a serious matter. It is about a decision about YOUR life changing, so you take it seriously. Nothing heavy in this statement. Because when you mean it, you know that you do mean it. This feeling has the weight of excitement and little fear, but definitely doesn’t feel like a burden.

*Setbacks are always part of the plan! Resolving them makes the process even better because it is the way to own the path!

*Goals oriented toward achieving something are proven to be more successful than goals focused on avoiding something.

Everyday is the right day to set goals for our well-being. So, whether it is the first day of January or a random Tuesday, our commitment to growth can start now. After all, lasting change doesn’t wait for the calendar—it begins the moment we decide to take the first step.