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Someone always has to say this, but it's a little bit tired. A new year is not entirely "arbitrary". Sure – from the point of view of geology or global history

Someone always has to say this, but it's a little bit tired. A new year is not entirely "arbitrary". Sure – from the point of view of geology or global history, it's irrelevant. But it provides a very obvious psychological "clean slate" – a fresh start and obvious break. It usually provides a little holiday, some time spent with family, and an opportunity for reflection. Yes, most resolutions fail. But people aren't perfect, and if we were all able to commit wholly to self-improvements at the drop of a hat, the world would probably be a much better place. Since we can't, I don't really see the harm in a little psychological boost once a year.

onion2k 13y ago
Making something a resolution to change something at New Year is giving yourself permission to fail. Everyone breaks their New Year resolutions, so why shouldn't you? The fact is, if we can resolve to change at the beginning of January then we can commit to self-improvement at the drop of a hat (assuming the 'drop of a hat' means a time when we have the necessary resources, time, inclination, etc). The date makes absolutely no difference at all. Why not a birthday resolution, or easter, or mid-summer (surely a far better time if you're going to be more active or eat more healthily)? I have no data, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see people who resolve to do things at times of the year other than New Year are much, much more successful than anyone who'll make a change next week. Their reasons (a choice rather than a tradition) will be more inclined to success.
- NomenNudum 13y ago
  Personally, I make a plan before Jan 1st of what I want to achieve the following year in burst of 4, starting from January 1st. I've found this to be a lot more motivating, since the finish date is relatively close... Three months isn't a long time and being able to say you've succeeded feels great!

onion2k 13y ago

Making something a resolution to change something at New Year is giving yourself permission to fail. Everyone breaks their New Year resolutions, so why shouldn't you? The fact is, if we can resolve to change at the beginning of January then we can commit to self-improvement at the drop of a hat (assuming the 'drop of a hat' means a time when we have the necessary resources, time, inclination, etc). The date makes absolutely no difference at all. Why not a birthday resolution, or easter, or mid-summer (surely a far better time if you're going to be more active or eat more healthily)? I have no data, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see people who resolve to do things at times of the year other than New Year are much, much more successful than anyone who'll make a change next week. Their reasons (a choice rather than a tradition) will be more inclined to success.

NomenNudum 13y ago
Personally, I make a plan before Jan 1st of what I want to achieve the following year in burst of 4, starting from January 1st. I've found this to be a lot more motivating, since the finish date is relatively close... Three months isn't a long time and being able to say you've succeeded feels great!