The Annual Dilemma: To Resolve or Not to Resolve
As the New Year approaches, many people ask themselves: “Should I make a New Year’s resolution?” Often, this thought is quickly followed by doubt: “What’s the point? I’ll probably break it anyway.”
From promises to eat healthier, exercise regularly, travel more, or limit social media use, New Year’s resolutions aim to create a better life. Yet, it’s common for commitments to falter—gym memberships go unused, diets are abandoned, and travel or self-care plans get delayed.
Even so, making resolutions is psychologically beneficial, regardless of whether you keep them.
The Power of Making Resolutions
Hope and Motivation
Dr. Rahul Chandhok, head consultant of mental health and behavioral science at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, explains that resolutions give people hope and a sense of control.
“Resolutions make us believe change is possible. Even if you don’t fully keep them, they can enhance motivation, confidence, and self-belief. They reflect our natural desire to grow and align our actions with who we want to be.”
Dr. Divya Shree K R, consultant psychiatrist at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, adds that even attempting a resolution builds self-awareness, helping individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Resolutions remind us of what we value and inspire self-reflection, learning, and emotional growth—benefits that remain even if a resolution is broken.
Intentions Matter More Than Perfection
Focus on Direction, Not Results
Resolutions are often about intention rather than immediate success, says Dr. Chandhok. They provide direction for personal growth, rather than requiring perfection.
Dr. Shree explains that intentions emphasize effort and mindset.
“Success isn’t always within our control, but intention is. It reduces pressure and guilt, allowing people to focus on consistency over perfection and remain aligned with their values throughout the year.”
Even small steps become meaningful, helping to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
The Fresh Start Effect
A Calendar Reset for Mental Health
Starting a new year offers a psychological reset, giving people a chance to leave behind guilt, regret, and past failures. This fresh start effect motivates action and makes change feel possible and achievable.
Resolutions also encourage self-check-ins, helping people reflect on habits, emotional needs, and life goals. This self-awareness supports mental and emotional well-being.
The Real Challenge: How We Approach Resolutions
Set Realistic and Kind Goals
The issue often isn’t the resolution itself, but how it’s framed.
Dr. Chandhok notes that many people make goals that are too ambitious or too vague, causing unnecessary stress when expectations aren’t met.
Dr. Shree recommends focusing on gradual change, habit-building, and learning from the process. Progress, no matter how small, is valuable.
Why You Should Make a Resolution This Year
Making a New Year’s resolution is worthwhile—even if it’s eventually broken. Every step toward your goal contributes to physical, mental, or emotional growth.
For instance:
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Walking daily for three weeks before stopping still benefits health and fitness.
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Journaling occasionally still aids emotional processing.
Resolutions are acts of hope, proof that change is possible, and a reminder that the future can be different, even after a challenging year.
Make a resolution not for perfection, but for reflection, growth, and mindfulness. Even small efforts count.
