According to an article by The New York Post, the ‘New Year, New Me’ motto that many have begun the year with has already started to decrease. The promises to become healthier or to start exercising more are almost always down the drain by the end of the month, if that. January 12 seems to be the day that most people admit to failing their New Year’s Resolution, according to the article. 

This begs the question: if so many people make New Year’s Resolutions, only to fail, why bother setting them at all? Is there any hope?

People bother setting New Year’s Resolutions because it pushes them to help better themselves throughout the year, yet some still wonder why New Year’s Resolutions are set when they are. 

If a goal is so important to someone, why wait until the new year instead of beginning on October third? According to the article by the New York Post, and to answer the question, there really is no reason to start your goal On the first day of the year. The date January 1st is just a date on a calendar. Those who really want to achieve the goal can strive for it all year, and continue even after a slip-up or two. 

For those who did make resolutions but fear they will not be able to keep it, or perhaps have already messed up or have given up, articles such as this one by Gaiam explain ways to maintain and achieve the goals set. Some examples include being more realistic, tracking progress and planning ahead. 

Overall, people set New Year’s Resolutions in order to better themselves or break a habit over the course of a year. While many will give up, those who truly want to reach their goal can continue to strive for it, even after falling off the wagon for days or more. There are also those who have not made resolutions but when finding something worthwhile enough, can start whenever, no matter what the calendar date is.