The excitement of a new year represents a chance to reset and approach your New Year’s resolutions from a hopeful lens. And it has been a common way for people to set goals over time.
When Did New Year’s Resolutions Originate?
Both the Babylonians and the Egyptians celebrated the start of the new calendar year. The Babylonians celebrated in March, commemorating it with a prolonged festival. Meanwhile, the Egyptians celebrated the new calendar year coinciding with the annual flood from the Nile River.
In particular, the Babylonians pledged to their gods good behavior for the coming year in hopes they curry favor from them. Often, this involved a pledge for them to pay off old debts.
The Evolution of New Year’s Resolutions
In the past, it was not uncommon for people to pledge resolutions on having a better diet, exercising more and making more money. However, a survey from Affirm found that trends are starting to adjust.
The survey discovered that 71% of respondents pledge to learn new skills or set realistic goals. Along with learning a new skill, resolving to save more money and pay down debt were also popular trends.
Another change consists of people focusing more on how they spend their time. Of those surveyed, more than half want to spend more time with their family, and 49% want to travel more.
How Do I Keep My New Year’s Resolutions?
Anytime you’re learning to adjust to new behaviors, it is vital to set realistic goals. Here are a few tips to help you achieve them:
Set Smaller Goals That are Easy to Accomplish
You can start by setting small, realistic goals. It is much more manageable to do in that you might not have to alter your behaviors much. And over time, you’ll see the benefit of these small choices, giving you more incentive to do other things.
Share Your New Year’s Resolutions with a Friend
Another tip is to find someone you trust and share your goals with them. Anytime you’re undertaking a new behavior or perspective, you want to find someone supportive who can keep you on course. They can check in to see how your progress goes and share insights to help you achieve your goals.
Alter Goals as Needed
Moreover, give yourself the freedom to adjust. If a goal does not seem attainable, set more realistic ones. Doing so doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It means you’re making strides to improve yourself and being realistic in the process. A slight change in perspective today could yield big results down the road.
Receiving a Fresh Start
The holidays are hectic enough. However, for men suffering from mental illnesses or behavioral issues, the pressures of the holidays can magnify your struggles. If you or someone you know needs help, contact our team to learn more about our treatment programs. We devise solutions examining the root cause of the illness and work with you to find a more wholesome, positive outcome. The new year represents a fresh start to get on the road to recovery.
