Something that comes with the new year is new year's resolutions.

A resolution is essentially a goal that a person sets to reach in the year. A resolution can be anything from starting a weight loss journey to quitting smoking to getting better control of your financial situation. Basically either creating a new and good habit or breaking an old and bad one. Many people find inspiration in setting these goals while others end up leaving them behind.

Why do some people fail at keeping their resolutions? There could be many reasons. Although everyone puts the big dramatic feeling around New Year's Eve and New Years Day, there's actually no drastic difference between December 31st and January 1st. People use the light of a new year as inspiration, which is where resolutions come from. Many resolutions fail because people set unrealistic goals and expect to hit those goals immediately. People also tend to forget a big aspect in goal-setting; which is to create a structured plan and to then keep track of your progress. A goal won't be reached by one action or by a desire by itself. It's a series of actions that get you the desired outcome.

According to an article from Discover Happy Habits, 31% of survey participants plan on making resolutions for 2021 while 19% are still undecided. Of people who made a resolution in 2020, 35% kept all their resolutions, 49% kept some of their resolutions, and only 16% failed at keeping any of their resolutions.

The same article also lists some great tips on how people can stick to their new year's resolutions.

Tip #1 says to start planning your goals ahead of time. Many people make a resolution the night of New Year's Eve without considering it beforehand. Having the resources, mindset, necessary skills, and support for when you start following through on this resolution will help bring you to your goal.

Tip #2 says to ask questions instead of making a declaration. There's a technique called the "question-behavior effect" and what it means is that, if you ask yourself whether or not your going to do something and consider the question honestly, you're more likely to get a realistic answer. Which will influence whether you set the goal or not.

Tip #3 says that the amount of sleep you get could have a big impact on your motivation and whether or not you'll succeed in your resolutions. Sleep gives you energy and stamina which can affect your cravings, desires, and endurance depending on how much sleep you get.

Tip #4 says to change your timing if necessary. You should try to make sure you align your goals with a timeline that fits your schedule. Big changes in your style like relocating or becoming a parent can completely change the dynamic and habits around your goal.