Why you should actually start your New Year's resolutions in December
Most of us tend to live by the motto ‘New Year, new me’, which is why 30 million Brits made New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of this year.
The most common resolutions, according to Mind, include goals around health (28%), money (27%), family (24%) and self-improvement (21%).
"January symbolises a new beginning, offering a sense of a fresh start and renewed hope," Iole Matthews, Head of Practitioner Programme and Life Coach at MYNDUP, explains.
"It's a time when many people reflect on the past year, just like in a performance review, and set goals for the year ahead. This period of reflection is similar to the ‘pause – reflect – plan’ process in the workplace, where individuals assess their achievements and challenges, and plan for future goals."
We often wait until January 1 to start these goals as it signals the end of the festive period and, more often than not, the end of a time of overindulgence.
But this could be exactly why it’s best to start your New Year’s resolutions in December instead.
"Starting resolutions in December allows you to get a head start," Matthews explains.
"This early start can help in setting realistic goals and developing a structured plan. By beginning in December, you can also avoid the January rush and the pressure of sudden changes, enabling a smoother transition into new habits and goals. This approach mirrors the importance of ongoing self-reflection and adjustment in personal and professional life."
The average length of a New Year’s resolution
Matthews says that, on average, people stick to their New Year’s resolution for just under four months when starting in January, before throwing it to the wayside.
"This limited duration can be attributed to overly ambitious goals or a lack of a structured plan," she explains.
"Resolutions often fail because they lack clarity and a practical action plan. People tend to start with high enthusiasm but gradually lose momentum as the reality of daily life intervenes, often due to not breaking down goals into smaller, manageable actions."
Why you should stop waiting for the ‘right time’ to start
Instead, Matthews recommends that you stop waiting for a New Year, or a new week, or the ‘right time’ to start any goals you may have, and begin now instead.
"Waiting for the 'right time' often leads to procrastination and missed opportunities. In both personal and professional development, continuous improvement is key," Matthews explains.
"Regular check-ins with yourself encourage consistent growth, after all personal development should also be a continuous process. Positive changes shouldn't be delayed for an arbitrary date - instead, embracing a mindset of ongoing adaptation and growth can lead to more effective and sustainable results."
Tips for achieving your New Year's resolution:
Below, Matthews reveals her top six tips for creating – and sticking to – any goals and resolutions you may have.
Set clear, specific goals: Like the goals set during performance reviews, ensure your personal goals are specific, measurable, and achievable.
Break goals into smaller actions: Divide your goals into smaller, manageable tasks that can be easily integrated into your daily routine.
Regular reflection: Periodically review your progress. Reflect on what's working and what needs adjustment.
Stay adaptable: Be prepared to modify your goals and methods as circumstances change, just as you would in a professional setting.
Seek accountability: Share your goals with friends or colleagues to stay motivated and accountable, similar to sharing performance goals in a workplace.
Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements along the way to maintain motivation.
Health: Read more
The mental health benefits of saying 'no' to Christmas parties: 'Don't force yourself' (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
Does eating fewer than three meals a day affect your gut health? (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
What is 'bed rotting' and how can be detrimental to your mental health? (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
