I am not making a resolution in 2023 (Why it's Okay to Take a Break)

Author – Sadhana Singh, Counselling Psychologist  

Edited – Team EmptyCare  

New Year's resolutions can be a great way to motivate ourselves to make positive changes in our lives. However, it's important to remember that it's okay to take a break from resolutions if we need to. 

Did you make no new year resolutions this year? Are you worried? Do you think this would hinder your personal development? Absolutely not. For the committed goal-setter, breaking with this age-old custom may seem downright hysterical. To reject self-improvement as a yearly activity may even appear overconfident. Resolutions aren't always bad; they just rarely lead to the better, more fulfilling life you want to lead. Let’s start with some fun facts 

5 facts about new year’s resolutions that will fascinate you 

1. The history has a religious origin - The tradition of setting New Year's resolutions began some 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians, although for them the year began not in January but in mid-March on the first moon after the spring equinox. According to historians, returning that rusty rake you'd borrowed from your neighbour was top of the Babylonian resolution list, along with the timeless promise to pay off debts.  
2. It was common after the Great Depression - About a quarter of American adults who formed New Year’s resolutions formed them at the end of the Great Depression. 
3. It’s a good time - Studies have shown that those who make common New Year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to succeed than those who decide to make life changes at other times of the year. 
4. According to research, the most common New Year's resolutions included exercise more (38%), lose weight (33%) and eat more healthily (32%).  
5. It is achieved with goal-setting - According to studies, the most effective way to achieve a New Year’s resolution is by setting specific goals. 

Why it's okay to not make resolutions? 

1. One reason to consider not setting resolutions this year is that they can be difficult to maintain. 2019 extensive research by Strava, has shown that more than 85% of people will abandon their resolutions by the second Friday or Saturday of January and that day is known as the quitter’s day. This year on 13th of January is the quitter’s day. This doesn't mean that change is impossible, but it does suggest that resolutions can be challenging to stick to. 
2. Another reason to take a break from resolutions is that they can be overwhelming. It can be tough to make drastic changes all at once, especially if we're trying to tackle multiple goals at the same time. It's important to be kind to ourselves and not put too much pressure on us to make big changes overnight. 
3. Instead of setting resolutions, try setting small, achievable goals for yourself throughout the year. Focus on making progress one day at a time, and don't be too hard on yourself if you do encounter setbacks. Remember that it's okay to take things slow and to celebrate small victories along the way. 

Why we support quitter’s day? 

1. The day provides mutual support: Having a day set aside specifically to recognize people who quit pursuing their year goals, helps to understand the reasons behind the quitting. The day further provides a platform for these people to learn and encourage one another in terms of how to better achieve their goals. 
2. It helps us recognize our limitations:Quitter’s Day reminds us that we are still human, and we will fail at times. This helps promote more understanding and empathetic societies. 
3. We grow: This day goes a long way in helping every involved person become better versions of themselves — once the lessons are taken and used. As they do, we ultimately have a better world.  

Why it's okay to quit these new year's resolutions? 

New Year's resolutions are a popular tradition that many people participate in, but it is not uncommon for people to feel pressure to stick to their resolutions no matter what. However, it is important to remember that it is okay to quit your New Year's resolutions if you are no longer committed to them or if they are no longer serving you. 

1. One reason to quit a resolution is if you have achieved your goal. For example, if your resolution was to lose weight and you have reached your desired weight, then it may be time to move on to other goals. There is no need to continue striving for a goal that has already been reached. 
2. Another reason to quit a resolution is if it is no longer realistic or beneficial for you. Life circumstances can change, and it is important to be flexible and adapt to these changes. If your resolution is no longer feasible due to changes in your life, then it may be time to let it go. 
3. It is also okay to quit a resolution if it is causing you stress or negative emotions. The purpose of resolutions is to improve your life, so if a resolution is not helping you do that, it may be time to reassess your goals. 

In the end, it's important to do what's best for you. If you're feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, it might be a good idea to take a break from resolutions and focus on self-care instead. Remember that you can always revisit your goals late, when you're feeling more motivated and ready to tackle them. So, it's okay to not have resolutions this year or quit them.