The definition of New Year´s resolutions is a worldwide celebrated tradition. Although it’s a pretty well documented fact that most of these objectives fail, we keep setting them.
Where does this tradition come from and why are we fine with making resolutions we probably won´t comply with?
Where does the tradition come from?
The ancient Babylonians who lived around 4,000 years ago are said to have been the first people to define New Year’s resolutions. These people were also the very first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the New Year. During their party they made promises to the Gods to pay back their debts and to return any objects they had borrowed. These promises could be considered the forerunners of today´s New Year’s resolutions.
So since 4,000 years people make New Year´s promises as an intent of self-improvement.
The Top 10 New Year´s resolutions 2015/2016*
- Lose Weight
- Getting Organized
- Spend Less, Save More
- Enjoy Life to the Fullest
- Staying Fit and Healthy
- Learn Something Exciting
- Quit Smoking
- Help Others in Their Dreams
- Fall in Love
- Spend More Time with Family
*Date research was conducted: December 11th, 2016
Source: Study http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
45 percent of the Americans who were asked in the research said they usually make New Year’s resolutions. But only 8 percent were successful in achieving their goals.
That dismal record supposedly won’t stop people from making resolutions anytime soon - after all, we have all had at least 4,000 years of practice.
'I made so many New Year´s resolutions I cannot decide which one to break first.'
Is it the magic of the night?
Is there anything more exciting than a New Year´s Eve? The countdown, the fireworks, the party - everything seems to be made of glitter and gold. As well as our resolutions?
Maybe it´s the frenzy of happiness which makes it easier for us to set some objectives which are as magical as the night itself... 'Everything is possible'.
Or is it our natural need to set objectives?
The timing surely would be perfect. A New Year, a new chance. But maybe that´s exactly the problem: the belief that everything is going to be fine, once the resolution is set.
Maybe we simply feel good by planning to self-improve ourselves and leave it to the New Year´s destiny to make our promises come true or not.
The problem is that - looking at the above mentioned Top 10 list - all of these objectives need our personal and active input.
No matter what the reason for a personal resolution set might be, goals are important to us - 356 days a year.
Goals are guidelines and give us orientation. Following a setting of objectives gives us a certain security, nobody ever likes the feeling of 'being in the air'. But these guidelines are needed every day, not only on New Year´s eve. And they have to be realistic as well.
Maybe we should try to self-improve a bit every day instead of dreaming big once and then fail...?
Whatever our reasons are to define New Year´s resolutions, I actually don´t think we should break with a 4,000 years-old tradition. Do you? By the way: my personal resolution for 2017 is: don´t change anything. Sounds simple, but for somebody who loves being on adventures, it´s not...:-) Which one is yours?
I hope you have enjoyed the read and wish you all a wonderful second half of December ***
Cheers,
Marly -
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