THE PROTESTANTS

Interestingly, the tradition of making a New Year’s resolution was found to be more common in countries that had a strong Protestant influence. The Protestant values of emotional discipline and a focus on living up to rigorous standards helped to influence the spread of the New Year’s resolution, since these resolutions are geared towards improving one’s self. The resolution tradition then spread to other countries, and as Protestant cultures became more secular, the tradition took on a more cheerful undertone and eventually lost the religious connotation.

MOST COMMON RESOLUTION

You can probably guess what the most common New Year’s resolution is. Most people make the resolution to go to the gym, increase their daily exercise, or lose weight. Since the holiday season leading up to the new year is filled with parties and eating and drinking in excess, it makes sense that many people would want to choose to try to be healthier in the upcoming year. After all, it is front of mind around the holidays!

THE STATISTICS

When it comes to resolutions, it is common knowledge that they do not often come true. Many give up on their resolutions fairly early into the new year; it is seen more as a tradition and less of something to actually stick to. But how early do people typically give up on their resolutions, if they do give up at all?

• 22% of resolutions fail after the first week.
• 40% of resolutions fail after a month.
• 50% of resolutions will fail after the first three months.
• 60% of resolutions fail after six months.

RESOLUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Just as many other trends and traditions have slightly different takes in other countries, New Year’s resolutions vary in different countries. This could be attributed to the different cultures in these countries and different priorities, for example. A 2013 Google Maps project uncovered some of the most common resolutions in each country. In the US and Egypt, health related resolutions were the top picks. Australia and Japan topped the charts with resolutions looking for love. Russian resolutions usually focused on education, and in India, career goals were #1. 

ACHIEVING YOUR RESOLUTIONS 

Statistics say that about 30% of people don’t bother to make a New Year’s resolution because they know they won’t keep the resolution.
Only about 8% of people do actually keep their resolutions for the year.  Most of them have a plan!
Those that do make a New Year’s resolution are ten times more likely to achieve their goals when they vocalize their plans and ideas.  Those who do not vocalize the goal as a New Year’s resolution, often fail.
Sometimes, putting it out into the world helps.