New year resolutions: Essential habit or empty ritual?
Illustration of a New Year's resolutions list
As the new year begins, many people find themselves reflecting on passed resolutions while weighing whether setting fresh goals is still worthwhile.
For some, the tradition remains a motivating ritual, while for others, the disappointments of previous years have prompted a rethink on how or even whether to approach resolutions.
James Wafula says he has made New Year resolutions for as long as he can remember, even though not all of them come to fruition. According to him, the failure to achieve every goal has not discouraged him from setting new ones each year.
However, he admits that the outcomes are often mixed. “Out of the ten goals I usually set, only about three come true,” Wafula notes, adding that this is largely because he tends to focus on a few priorities while neglecting the rest.
“What I have realised is that I concentrate on a few and leave the others, which later do not become successful,” he says.
Wafula further points out that the lack of an accountability partner has also hindered his progress, as there is no one to keep him in check.
In some cases, he says, repeatedly setting the same unachieved goals year after year can be exhausting, making it tempting to give up on certain visions altogether.
On the other hand, Muthoni Mwangi has taken a different approach this year. After what she describes as a particularly tough year in which she failed to achieve any of her resolutions, she has intentionally chosen not to make any this time around.
“I made a decision not to have a New Year’s resolution intentionally because last year was tough and I didn’t get to achieve any,” she says.
Instead, Muthoni hopes the year ahead will be filled with happiness as she prioritises self-care and personal well-being.
Nakuru-based life coach Shem Kariuki believes the challenge lies not in resolutions themselves, but in how people approach them. He argues that many individuals enter a new year with the same mindset, driven by pressure rather than self-reflection.
According to Kariuki, people need to first re-evaluate themselves, understand what they truly want, and assess whether their goals are realistic and within reach.
He also emphasises the importance of environment and support systems, noting that the people one surrounds themselves with can either add value or derail progress.
Kariuki advises individuals not to give up when resolutions fail, comparing the journey to scoring a goal in football, which requires teamwork and patience.
“Even if you don’t achieve the final goal, there are small wins along the way,” he says, urging people to appreciate these milestones.
Additionally, don’t spend too much time dwelling on the negatives. Beating yourself up will not help you succeed. Move on to the next day and get back to your routine
Ultimately, he encourages consistency, faith, and resilience, reminding those who feel discouraged that setbacks do not mean failure, but rather a different path toward growth.