By The Value of Making Resolutions
Every year, as New Year approaches, many people wonder whether to make a resolution or skip it, believing they might not stick to it. Resolutions often focus on goals like eating healthier, exercising regularly, traveling, or reducing social media use. Even though many resolutions are broken within weeks, they still hold significant value for mental and emotional well-being.
Dr Rahul Chandhok, head consultant in mental health and behavioral science at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, explains that resolutions give people hope, motivation, and a sense of control. “Even if you don’t fully achieve your resolution, the act of setting it shows your desire to grow and align your actions with your values,” he says.
Dr Divya Shree K R, consultant psychiatrist at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, adds that attempting and failing a resolution is not wasted effort. It helps build self-awareness, identifies strengths and weaknesses, and encourages learning and self-reflection.
Intention Matters More Than Perfection
Resolutions are often more about intention than immediate success. Dr Chandhok highlights that focusing on intention provides direction, even if results are not perfect. Similarly, Dr Shree emphasizes that resolutions guide people toward consistent effort and mindset, rather than just outcomes.
When framed as intentions, resolutions reduce stress and guilt associated with failure. They become flexible, realistic, and easier to revisit after setbacks, supporting emotional balance and mental health.
The Psychological Effect of a Calendar Reset
The start of a new year provides a fresh mental slate. Known as the fresh start effect, this period helps people let go of past guilt, failure, and regret, creating a clear point to restart and reorganize goals.
Dr Shree notes that the calendar reset makes change feel achievable, providing structure and motivation. Resolutions serve as a way to pause, reflect, and assess emotional and personal needs, even if they are not fully realized.
How to Make Resolutions Work
The problem is rarely with the resolutions themselves, but with how we approach them. Dr Chandhok explains that overly strict or vague goals often lead to self-blame and frustration.
A healthier approach is to view resolutions as gradual changes focused on habits, learning, and progress rather than perfection. This makes resolutions achievable and meaningful, allowing small steps to contribute to long-term growth.
Why You Should Make a Resolution This Year
Yes, you should make a New Year’s resolution. The benefits include:
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Mental clarity and reflection on personal values.
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Motivation to try new habits, even temporarily.
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Emotional growth through self-awareness and learning.
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Hope and optimism for a better year ahead.
Even if a resolution is broken, the effort put into it still matters. For example, exercising for a few weeks or journaling occasionally still benefits your mind and body.
Resolutions are acts of hope, a reminder that growth and improvement are always possible, regardless of past challenges. They encourage pause, reflection, and focus on what truly matters.
So, make a resolution this year—not for perfection, but for self-improvement, mental wellness, and hope.
