Resolutions. The goals a person makes at the start of each new year, promising to put in commitment and perseverance to finish the goal. However, New Year’s Resolutions don’t last as long as some would hope. A study conducted by PubMed Central found that for every passing month, the percentage of people who keep their goals decreases, and this trend continues. This study allows us to see how low the chances are of us keeping our goal. Only 40% stay loyal to their resolutions after six months, and the percentage decreases further.  

A study done by the Pew Research Center found that young adults are more likely to make New Year’s Resolutions.  A large portion of goals made are based on health, too. Pew Research Center administered a survey that stated 79% of participants’ goals concerned health. For financial, it was 61%, personal relationships were 57%, and work/career were 49%. 

Goals are important in life. They are what make us work for something, whether it’s a reward or for personal benefit. There are multiple ways of making a goal. For starters, a monthly goal. Make it realistic. If you make a goal that is not attainable, you will not complete it and will give up. However, if you make it realistic, the chances of accomplishing it grow. With a monthly goal, you have a shorter time period to complete it. This makes the goal fresh in your mind. You are focusing more intently on it because it’s only for a month. 

Monthly goals can turn into yearly goals. Just make your monthly goals the steps you are taking to reach the finish line. The easiest way to do this is to create a plan and a timeline. This breaks down your goal into simple steps, making the goal easier and giving you the ability to think things through. 

Resolutions are a great way to improve your life. They challenge, push, improve, and benefit our lives if we plan and complete them correctly. That means no cheating, backing out, or giving up. Having resilience, commitment, and perseverance only makes the reward so much better.