Where did the tradition of New Year's Resolutions come from? Why do we make these things and then seldom keep them going throughout the year? Well, the tradition dates back some 4000 years to the ancient Babylons who used to make resolutions to their gods during the new year. If the individual would keep the resolution, then the gods would look favorably upon them. Some of these resolutions included getting out of debt and returning borrowed farm equipment since their new year was in March - in time for their new planting season.
Many of us are still making resolutions today, but very few are successful at keeping them. A poll taken by DiscoverHappyHabits.com showed that only 35% were successful in keeping their resolutions, while 22% believed that even making them at all would be pointless.
So what's the secret to keeping it? Turns out, simply wanting to change is not enough; you need to make it stick. One way to do this is to share your resolution with others. We here at the North Pole and Father Time suggest having an "after" New Year dinner party with your friends and/or family. At this dinner, go around the room making some realistic goals and resolutions. This may help out with support and accountability when it comes to trying to achieve your resolutions throughout the year.
If you have suggestions on how to keep your resolutions, or would just would like to share them with us, please send us a message on Facebook or use our Contact Us page. We would love to hear from you.
