Every January, Guyanese people enthusiastically make New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions: to improve their health, finances, or personal lives. But by the time December arrives, many of these resolutions have been forgotten or abandoned. While the tradition of setting New Year goals goes back centuries, its success rate remains dismal, with only 46 percent of resolutions achieved by the year’s end, according to a study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology. So, why do so many of us struggle to turn our resolutions into reality, and how can we increase our chances of success in 2025?
The history of New Year’s resolutions is rich, reaching back to ancient civilisations. The Romans, for example, honoured Janus, the god of beginnings, by making promises to improve their lives at the start of the year. This custom continued into the Middle Ages, when knights would take the “Peacock Vow” to recommit to honourable values. Even today, the idea of making resolutions to better oneself continues to be an integral part of our cultural fabric.
In Guyana, this annual tradition holds strong, as people from all walks of life resolve to make changes for the better. But the reality is that, for many, these resolutions slip away as the year progresses. Whether it’s losing weight, saving money, or spending more time with family, the gap between intention and action can be wide. However, experts agree that with the right approach, it is possible to make these resolutions stick.
One key piece of advice is to mentally prepare for change. Changing deeply ingrained habits is challenging, and without the proper mindset, resolutions can easily fall by the wayside. “Before setting your goals, take time to reflect on why you want to make a change. Understanding your deeper motivations will provide you with the strength to stay on track,” says Dr. Tara Williams, a psychologist. Mental preparation creates a strong foundation for the work ahead.
Next, ensure that your resolutions are genuinely meaningful to you. Often, people set goals that they feel they “should” pursue rather than goals that align with their true desires. A common mistake is to adopt goals based on external pressures, such as family expectations or societal standards. For example, a person may resolve to quit smoking because a relative insists, rather than because they feel strongly about it themselves. “When your goals are personally meaningful, you’re far more likely to stay committed,” advises Williams. Whether it’s a health goal or a career aspiration, the resolution must be something that stirs passion within you to sustain motivation.
Another vital piece of advice is to keep your resolutions realistic. Many people take on too many ambitious goals at evvel, thinking they can overhaul their entire lifestyle in a year. This often leads to burnout and disappointment. In Guyana, where the pace of life can be relentless, trying to juggle multiple resolutions is a recipe for failure. Instead, it’s better to focus on just a few, specific goals that you can dedicate time and energy to. This strategy not only makes the process less overwhelming but also increases your chances of success.
Setting SMART goals is an effective way to ensure your resolutions are both achievable and measurable. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” a SMART goal would be “I will lose 10 percent of my body weight by July.” This approach helps you clarify what you want to achieve, track your progress, and stay on course.
One of the most overlooked but crucial steps in achieving resolutions is breaking larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Rather than setting a monumental goal that feels distant and difficult, divide it into smaller chunks that you can tackle incrementally. For example, if your goal is to save more money, you could start by cutting back on small, daily expenses, then gradually build toward larger financial milestones. These smaller wins create momentum and keep you motivated throughout the year.
Writing your resolutions down is another powerful tool. There is something incredibly grounding about putting your goals on paper, making them tangible and real. However, it’s not just about writing them down — it’s also about sharing them with others. “When you tell someone else about your goals, you create a support system that holds you accountable,” says motivational speaker and author Aisha Ramsay. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, having others aware of your resolutions can provide both encouragement and gentle pressure to stay on track.
As we welcome 2025, it’s important to remember that New Year’s resolutions are not about perfection, but progress. While only a fraction of resolutions are kept, the effort made toward self-improvement is valuable in itself. By mentally preparing for change, setting meaningful and realistic goals, and staying accountable to ourselves and others, Guyanese can make 2025 a year of growth and fulfilment.
In the end, success lies in the journey, not just the destination. Whether you are focusing on health, finances, or relationships, setting clear, manageable goals is the key to turning intentions into real, lasting change.