As the year draws to a close, many individuals find themselves in a reflective state, contemplating the highs and lows of the past 12 months. While diverse traditions mark this introspective period, a recent survey sheds light on the evolving scenery of New Year’s resolutions, providing insights into the shifting priorities of individuals as they bid farewell to one year and welcome another.
Forbes Health/OnePoll survey
The Forbes Health survey asked 1,000 people in the U.S. about their New Year’s resolutions on October 23, 2023. A recent survey found that 62% of respondents feel pressured to make a New Year’s resolution. Interestingly, there’s been a shift from the previous year’s emphasis on mental health, with 48% now prioritizing fitness as their main resolution for 2024.
There’s a subtle but noticeable difference in resolution setting between genders. About 64% of women feel slightly more pressure than men. However, both equally recognize the importance of mental health resolutions, with 36% prioritizing this aspect in the coming year.
Surprisingly, the survey revealed a significant decrease in self-accountability, as only 20% of respondents committed to self-discipline, a sharp decline from the previous year’s 77%. Nevertheless, an impressive 80% expressed confidence in reaching their goals, with men (82%) slightly more assured than women (79%).
People in the digital age are increasingly turning to various tools for resolution adherence. Among these, 49% plan to use fitness apps, with other popular choices including diet programs (46%), gym memberships (43%), habit-tracking apps (40%), and meditation apps (33%).
Looking beyond the near future, 86% believe their resolutions will bring positive changes beyond 2024, reflecting a shared optimism for ongoing personal growth. Common goals include better fitness (48%), improved finances (38%), and strengthened mental health (36%).
Comparing these statistics to the resolutions of Saskatchewan residents, it’s clear that the desire for physical and mental well-being is a common goal beyond regional boundaries. In the previous year’s perspective article, resolutions such as exercise, weight loss, and improved mental health were amusingly analyzed. Despite the light tone, the challenges of sticking to resolutions were evident.
On a global scale, many people set New Year’s resolutions, and the numbers and stories show that it’s something many find challenging. According to a Forbes survey, the average resolution lasts only about 3.74 months, showing that maintaining commitment to goals can be difficult, even with good intentions at the start.
In a world where things are always changing, considering New Year’s resolutions just once a year is like only seeing a small part of the big picture. Instead, it’s better to think of self-improvement as something continuous, rather than limiting it to the start of the year.
Picture life as an ongoing journey, much like a plant growing or a river flowing without end. This idea aligns with the constant changes in everything around us. Reflecting on the past year and planning for the next, it’s crucial to understand that improvement isn’t tied to a specific date. It’s an ongoing journey that holds the potential to enhance both our lives and the world.
As we strive for self-improvement, let’s consider simple changes to help us grow.
- Think Positively: View challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Positive thinking helps us overcome tough times.
- Prioritize Mental Well-being: Recognize the importance of caring for your thoughts and feelings. Practices like mindfulness, focusing on the present, and seeking help when needed contribute to overall well-being.
- Keep Learning: Make a habit of learning new things, whether at school, on your own, or by acquiring new skills. Learning contributes to overall personal growth.
- Stay Healthy: Make wise choices for your body, including balanced meals, regular physical activity, and sufficient rest and sleep.
- Develop Positive Habits: Cultivate habits that bring joy and fulfillment, such as expressing gratitude, effective time management, or acts of kindness. Positive habits enhance the quality of life.
- Build meaningful connections: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who bring joy into your life. Good relationships contribute to personal well-being and growth.
- Embrace adaptability: Learn to go with the flow. Life’s unpredictability makes flexibility and adaptability valuable skills.
Improving ourselves is not just about making promises at the start of a new year. It involves choosing to improve a little each day. Through these small efforts, we not only make our journey more enjoyable but also contribute to making the world a better place.
