Don’t wave the white flag on New Year’s resolutions just yet.
As the calendar turns and a new year begins, we find ourselves at a very familiar crossroads of reflection and anticipation. It is that time when we reflect on how things went last year…and then contemplate the changes we wish to make, the goals we aspire to achieve, and the person we strive to become this year. In many ways, New Year’s resolutions have become a tradition, a symbolic gesture of hope and transformation. But have you ever stopped to consider the profound impact these resolutions can have on our lives?
New Year’s resolutions often focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Let us take this opportunity to expand our horizons and embrace resolutions that foster diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity (DIBE) in our lives and communities.
In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, diverse, and aware of the importance of equity, it is crucial to actively work towards creating environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. By making DIBE a priority in our New Year’s resolutions, we can contribute to building a more just and inclusive society for all.
As a part of our January DIBE (Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity) “More Than a Month” series, our Senior Manager, Issa Braithwaite, asked to share his POV on “Resolutions” which we hope will challenge the notion that resolutions are mere clichés or empty gestures, and uncover the potential resolutions hold to transform our habits, beliefs, and perspectives.
Thank you Issa for sharing your POV. Here is what he had to say…
If you are reading this article, chances are you are already wrestling with your New Year’s resolutions or have already waved the white flag. According to researchers at the University of Scranton, 80% don’t even make it a full two weeks, and only 8% of people who make resolutions for the year reach their goal. Sheesh.
When talking about intention setting and New Year’s resolutions with friends, one of my dearest said, “The New Year feels like a nice reset. It reminds you of not only the time you’ve spent but it’s about the opportunity to reflect on how you’ve used that time, and how you might want to adjust that in the future to align with your goals and vision.” – Sonja Socknat. We talked about how the focus on resolutions is about making plans for the future, but it’s the undercurrent of the past that pulls us to the depths and drags us into a pool of perceived failures.
The truth is, often we feel like we are running out of time.
Running out of time to do the things we want to do, be the person we want to be, and enjoy where we are at.
Yet, we remain a hopeful lot.
There is something quite funny about New Year’s resolutions. I feel like they gave up on us long before we gave up on them. I mean, think about the amount of times you have made the same resolution in years past, whether it’s to read more books, learn another language, or save money…you’ve been here before, they’ve been here before, we all have.
Over the last few months, I spoke with several people about their approach and thoughts about New Year’s resolutions and have concluded that despite the current conditions of the world and people’s lives, most live with an optimism that continues to drive their desire for change and betterment. It’s not always for the ‘self’, either. Many are making resolutions that involve their relationships with others and their relationships with the world.
Top resolutions this year focus on three main areas:
- The heady and contemplative
- The concrete and measurable
- The whimsical and fun
1. Heady and Contemplative
People are examining how they fit into the world and how they want to show up for others and for themselves. These commitments are driven by the idea that we are not islands and that we all need to work together.
- Be more present with the people you are around
- Meditate and think more
- Express yourself and communicate with others more openly and intentionally
- Be more selfless and giving (e.g. give compliments, lend your time, offer a simple smile)
- Learn something new
2. Concrete and Measurable
People are looking at the world and are seeing who and what they need to do, to make sure they are moving in the direction they want to go. They are looking at themselves and examining their behaviors to make sure they are setting themselves up well for the future.
- Saving money
- Read more books
- Quitting cigarettes
- Living a sober life
- Losing weight and exercising more
3. Whimsical and Fun
People are looking at how serious and sad the world can be, understanding that the algorithms are pushing more and more negativity towards us. Instead, people are choosing to add more joy, delight, and fun to their lives…and to their year.
- Send more letters and postcards to friends
- Call someone you know is lonely
- Once a week, talk to a stranger
People have seen how valuable it is to involve their community in their resolutions and commit to that. Whether it’s about being a good friend and reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken with or giving their time to the community, many see that resolutions are hollow without a sense of community. This year I made a goal of having 50 days this year where I spend $0. This would be impossible without my family and friends supporting me and participating with me. Whether it’s agreeing to go for a walk in the park or coming over for dinner, when you include others in your resolutions, people help to hold you accountable and it helps to reinforce your why.
Many brands use this time of the year to capitalize on people looking to better themselves.
They offer deals and promotions to bring people into the new year and HOPE that those new users will either continue to be engaged customers (or simply payers). We see it every year, from Duolingo, to Planet Fitness (who’s sponsored the New York City ball drop for the ninth year in a row), to even brands like Talk Space and Better Help, which are trying to help people reach their mental health goals.
Those brands are giving people the ‘tools’ to reach their ideal self, but how are they helping people follow through to sustain and realize these aspirations?
So, when you are thinking about your resolutions this year, remember to be kind to yourself, acknowledge that there is no such thing as failure when you are trying to grow and better yourself. It’s all about practice, planning, and self-compassion.
So, if you are still sitting there wrestling with your New Year’s resolution, here are some tips:
Set realistic and specific goals
Instead of making vague resolutions, set clear, specific, and achievable goals. Define your objectives in measurable terms so that progress can be easily tracked. Realistic goals are more sustainable and provide a clearer path to success.
Build a support system
Share your resolutions with friends, family, or a support group. Having a support system can provide encouragement, motivation, and accountability. Discussing your goals with others creates a sense of commitment and makes it more likely that you’ll stay on track.
Celebrate small victories
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing progress boosts motivation and reinforces positive behavior. Regularly reflect on your accomplishments and use them as fuel to keep moving forward.
We are all human
We all have goals we want to hit this year. A promotion, more money, a big project we want to accomplish. Talk about your dreams out loud, reach out for help when you need it, and let’s all team up to help each other reach our goals.
From personal growth to societal impact, resolutions can ripple through our lives, creating waves that extend far beyond the confines of a single year.
Let’s not shy away from the uncomfortable truths that go with resolutions and let’s confront the pitfalls and obstacles that often hinder our progress. By understanding these challenges, we can equip ourselves with the tools and mindset needed to overcome them, making sure that our resolutions become catalysts for lasting change.
Are you ready to embrace the power of resolutions and embark on a journey of personal and societal change? Let’s step into a new year filled with hope, determination, and the unwavering belief that we have the power to shape our own destinies.
Written By:
Issa Braithwaite
Issa has over three years of consumer insights and product management experience. He has spent years understanding consumer behavior, as well as the relationship between individuals and brands. For him, it's about exploring the infinite space in between the unseen that excites him. Understanding the behavior, attitudes, and motivations that draw people to products and brands is why he loves The Sound. Issa has degrees in Finance and Behavioral Economics from Ohio University, as well as an MBA from the University of British Columbia.
More by this author
