In a previous post, I noted that in recent years, resolutions to strengthen one’s character, to be more "religious," or to focus on spiritual growth all but disappeared in the 21st century. This was confirmed by a YouGov survey conducted in Canada in 2019. 

In 2022, a poll indicated that just over 14% of Canadians said they didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions at all. Of those who did make resolutions, 22.3% of Canadians were going to focus on their financial goals like saving money, investing, budgeting and/or paying off debt in the new year. Others said they planned to advance their careers (6.6%), improve their relationships (5.3%), travel (4.9%), learn new skills (3.9%), break bad habits (3.7%) and work on spiritual growth (2.9%).

A new survey from Forbes Health/OnePoll of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted in October, 2023 looked at Americans’ attitudes surrounding resolution setting and what types of goals were prioritized.

Interestingly, this survey highlighted that the New Year’s resolution for 2024 most commonly selected was fitness, which contrasts with findings from the previous year. The previous survey in 2022 showed that many people were prioritizing their mental health, rather than their physical health, in their resolutions for 2023.

Of those who responded to the survey, 62% said they felt pressured to set a New Year's resolution, with women (64%) feeling slightly more pressured than men (60%).

Of those setting goals for 2024, 45.5% reported having as many as three goals.

If you're one of those who set ambitious goals for the new year only to lose motivation a few months (or weeks) down the line, you're not alone.

The Forbes Health/One Poll survey found that the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months.

According to an Ipsos study, 78% of Canadians reported that they failed to keep all or part of their past resolutions. Just two in ten Canadians (22%) had managed to keep all their resolutions in the past.

Imagine Meg, a busy Christian mom of five young and adolescent children, whom you saw last at a New Year's Eve party. You recall that she enthusiastically shared with you a resolution to deepen her involvement in community outreach through her church. Fast forward to June, and you meet her in an elevator. 

You: Hey Meg, how's it going? The last time we talked was at the New Year's Eve party at your place. I remember you really wanted to get more involved in community outreach with your church. I was excited for you, listening to you share your New Year's resolution."

Meg: "Hey! Oh, you know how it goes, busy as ever! So, about that community outreach resolution... well, it's been a bit of a challenge. With the kids' school activities, church events, and just the day-to-day chaos, finding time has been tough. I did manage to volunteer at a couple of events, but it's not as consistent as I hoped. Life just gets in the way sometimes, you know? I'm still trying, though. Maybe when the kids are a bit older, it'll be easier."

You: "That's too bad. I remember you were so excited and you had read some books about prioritizing your goals and aligning them with your core values. I'm curious why that didn't work for you?"

Meg: "Yeah, I remember that New Year's enthusiasm. You know, life just kind of took over. It's hard to stick to the plan when unexpected things pop up all the time. The kids had more activities than I anticipated, my husband's work got busier and, well, it's just a small business with a few employees, but I do the office work, I order supplies, do the invoicing and billing, the payroll and accounts and bookkeeping... and, to be honest, some days I'm just too tired to do much else. I did feel really guilty the other day when the outreach ministry team put out a call for help, and I really felt I had to say yes... but it's like there's always something demanding my attention. We had a sermon the other day about giving more, and I feel like I need to pick up a few more shifts in the hospital. I only work very part-time, but life with five kids is unpredictable, and balancing everything can be a real juggling act."