"New Year, New Life!” is a phrase that many of us say or hear at the beginning of January, when expectations and dreams for the next twelve months mix with the desire to improve ourselves. The arrival of the new year is in fact the moment in which many draw up the famous list of good intentions, those objectives that we propose to achieve to improve various aspects of our lives.
But what are the most common resolutions and, above all, how well do we actually manage to carry them out?
According to some American studies, the most common good intentions are different: there are some categories of good intentions that emerge more frequently. Here are the main areas on which people focus with the arrival of the new year:
- 1. Taking care of your physical health – Whether it’s starting to exercise regularly, eating a healthier diet, or quitting smoking, improving your physical health is one of the most common resolutions.
- 2. Cultivate better interpersonal relationships –Spending more time with family, improving relationships with friends, or seeking new meaningful connections are often primary goals for those seeking greater happiness in relationships.
- 3. Investing in personal growth – Developing new skills, learning something new, or taking up a hobby are often on the lists of those who want to improve themselves personally and professionally.
- 4. Achieve better study results – This purpose is especially relevant for students and workers who wish to improve their educational or professional performance, reaching new training goals.
The path to success
Despite the initial enthusiasm, the path to keeping good intentions is not easy at all. A study conducted by Norcross and Vangarelli in 1989 monitored the keeping good intentions over time, revealing a rather discouraging picture. According to the data collected, a week into the year, 77% of participants were able to stick to their goals. However, after a month, the number dropped to 55%, to 43% after three months, to 40% after six months, until reaching a modest 19% at the end of the year.
These statistics show us how common it is to lose sight of good intentions as time goes by. Lack of motivation, daily commitments or expectations that are too high can become insurmountable obstacles.
No good intentions? No problem!
However, there are those who are not influenced by the ritual of good intentions. Some prefer to face the new year without setting specific goals. In fact, there is nothing unusual in this choice: according to surveys conducted in the United States, only 44% of people decide to make at least one resolution for the new year. This shows that not everyone is inclined to define formal plans for change and this does not necessarily imply a lack of interest in personal improvement. Therefore, starting the new year with good intentions is certainly a way to focus on what we want. improve in our lives. However, the difficulty of maintaining these goals reminds us that the change takes time, commitment and a good dose of flexibility. Not everyone is comfortable with the pressure of having to set formal resolutions. Whether you are one of those who draws up a long list or one of those who prefers to leave room for improvisation, the important thing is to remember that any time is a good time to start improving yourself, not just January 1st. Best wishes!
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