Each New Year, millions look to the calendar change as an opportunity to reset their lives, setting resolutions with hopes of self-improvement. Yet, curiosity surrounds this tradition—how many truly follow through? A recent study by the Pew Research Center revealed about 70% of Americans do not set New Year's resolutions. Of those who do, 12% report avoiding them because they perceive the goals as difficult to achieve.
Despite these statistics, there remains a significant portion of the population, roughly 30%, who embrace the season with aspirations of transformation. These individuals aim for self-betterment, whether it’s reducing screen time, adopting healthier eating habits, or actually going to the gym instead of lounging around.
This year, Yahoo Life and Style reached out to five determined individuals to learn how they plan to conquer their resolutions for 2024. Their strategies, successes, and lessons learned could benefit anyone embarking on their own New Year journeys.
One of the participants, Danielle Mini, previously engaged as a teacher, views the New Year as a time for fresh beginnings. Besides the New Year, she also finds motivation at the start of the school year and on her birthday. For 2024, she established two objectives. The first goal was to become more active within her neighborhood, which inspired her to engage more with her neighbors. Although this was less measurable, she felt it was important.
Mini's second goal was more precise—she vowed to halt buying new clothes. Influenced by reading about the fashion industry’s environmental footprint, she decided to minimize her wardrobe instead, opting for thrift and consignment stores if she chose to shop. "Nothing at all," she affirmed. After successfully achieving this goal, she stated, "It's easier than you think." Looking forward to 2025, Mini aspires to advance her eco-friendly efforts by starting composting and is also focused on finding representation for her memoir.
Similarly, Lillian Kay fondly recalls traditions from her childhood where she and her mother would jot down their favorite memories from the previous year on New Year’s Eve. Now, at 29, they continue this tradition but have adapted it to include shared resolutions. While they attempted to create monthly action plans last year, Kay noted it became overly constrictive. For 2024, they revamped their approach by adopting the idea of "24 for ‘24." Instead of rigid goals, their list encompassed enjoyable experiences alongside serious objectives.
Among Kay's resolutions were taking tennis classes, reading nonfiction books, and even running half marathons. Though she hasn't yet crossed off every item, such as taking pottery classes or starting physical therapy, she believes this balance of fun and seriousness made for greater success this year than previous ones. "We felt like we had more fun and success by incorporating lighter elements," Kay explained, adding, "We’re ready for ‘25 already!"
Monica May, 44, preferred to take her resolutions to another level. After realizing traditional goal settings didn’t work for her during her attempt to train for half Ironman—which ended unhappily due to injury—she sought alternative methods. Choosing to adopt themes instead of concrete goals, she centered her intentions around the word "resilience" one year and "wander" for the next, which encouraged her to travel frequently.
May shared, "Using those themes allowed me the flexibility to adapt my goals without creating pressure. I can still enjoy personal growth without feeling restricted." Her word for 2025 is "shine," reflecting her need to embrace action and rise above her previous limitations.
Development coach Jenna Zabrosky also promotes reshaping how individuals view their resolutions. Rather than framing resolutions as issues needing resolution, she suggests focusing on previous successes to motivate future goals. For her own practice, she jots down accomplishments and expresses gratitude for those who supported her along the way.
Instead of rushing to start the new year with overwhelming tasks, coach and yoga instructor Maria Kugler encourages her clients to take it slow. "January shouldn’t rush us. The beginning of the year is still winter, which can be restful instead of full of pressure to start anew immediately," she expressed. She emphasizes using winter as a reflective period rather than racing toward new resolutions.
While enthusiasm fuels many New Year's resolutions, safety is another concern during the celebratory nights leading up to the New Year. Many revelers partake in celebrations with fireworks, drinking, and various festivities. Each New Year’s Eve presents elevated risks, including excessive drinking, which poses dangers not only to personal safety but also to public safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) consistently encourages individuals to choose designated drivers or alternative transport to avoid the perilous consequences of impaired driving.
Local police agencies across the nation ramp up efforts during this time, issuing warnings and reminders about the importance of restricting excess consumption and practicing responsible celebrations. Community aid organizations also offer programs to provide safe rides home.
The New Year is a time for both joyous celebration and serious reflection. Whether setting resolutions or ensuring personal safety is prioritized, it serves as the perfect merging of hope and responsibility. Embrace the festivities safely and intentionally, whether aiming for personal goals or fostering community connections.