I have fond memories of making new year resolutions as a kid. Back then, those resolutions were loaded with innocence and determination — waking up early in the morning, never delaying my homework, eating all the essential nutrients, blah, blah, blah. The list was endless. I even remember penning it down. Those tiny goals made sense and made me proud as and when I accomplished them. Now, the story’s a bit different. I don’t believe in resolutions anymore, especially, the ones made on the 1st of January. Here’s why:
The excitement dies down the 2nd day
The 1st of January is a special date. The first day of the year one is filled with new hope, new aspirations. You leave behind the frustrations of a wretched past year and want to start the new year with a clean slate. But then, 2nd January arrives and all the excitement goes down the hill. You are back to being the same person you were last year, with no urges to improve your life.
It’s a norm, but not a mandate
Also, just because everyone is doing it, it doesn’t mean I need to as well. Making a resolution is a norm but definitely not a mandate. Most of us do it because the fear of missing out is real and so is the urge to fit in. So, there’s no practical purpose behind the resolution and therefore doesn’t drive you enough to achieve it.
1st January is just any other date
Again, why do we need to wait for the beginning of the year to change ourselves? Why isn’t November a good month to do so? Or even June? If we are seriously driven and have the determination to achieve something, nobody can stop us from achieving it, much less a date in the calendar.
It’s a forced emotional boost
Five years ago, I had set myself a goal not to overthink and overanalyze things. I am still struggling to keep up with that resolution. I know that’s how I am as a person and it’ll probably never change. A resolution is nothing but a forced emotional boost. They can help you cut down on bad habits but changing your persona can’t be a spontaneous process. It’s not as easy as finishing that glass of milk every morning before leaving for school.
I have stopped making resolutions but I still enjoy my new year. I have understood that the world is a difficult place and one needs to be more realistic about things. With time, our needs, desires and aspirations change, and that’s absolutely okay. It’s how we improve as people and evolve as individuals. And for that, I don’t need to depend on a date.
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