Setting yourself up for a successful new year
By Clardean Jerome on December 10, 2025
The holidays are getting closer as we count down the days till Christmas with our Advent calendars. It’s never too early to start listing down your New Year’s resolutions for 2026.
According to Columbia University, 25 per cent of people stay committed past 30 days, and less than 10 per cent of people actually achieve their goals. These are some very low numbers, but those odds are not impossible.
First, let’s talk about why the success rate of resolutions is low. Your conscious mind establishes goals, whereas your subconscious mind is conditioned to maintain your current pattern.
Here are some easy-going resolutions to start your year:
- Make some time to spend with family members.
- Trying something new that you think you would enjoy, but never got around to doing it.
- Get some quality sleep by giving yourself the right amount of rest.
- Try new recipes for baking, cooking or mixing.
- Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals is another method that can remind and encourage you to complete your resolutions. You want to be specific with your expectations and have a clear idea of how to accomplish that. Having a measurable goal helps with tracking your progress. It’s recommended to begin with a small goal and realistic objectives.
To wrap it up, while many people struggle with New Year’s resolutions, just remember that it is not entirely impossible. Today, you have learned the mental barriers that restrict people from reaching their end goals. By being specific, realistic and using these strategies, you can set yourself up for a successful year.