The New Year is often associated with having resolutions. People want to begin the year by resolving to improve various areas of their lives, whether it concerns their well-being, helping others more, etc. While they’re meant to have a positive impact, they also possess negative implications as well.

If you’re considering making New Year’s resolutions, here’s is a look at some of the pros and cons:

Pros

They’re Great For Starting The New Year On A Positive Note

Making resolutions can be a great way to motive yourself for the new year. This is especially referring to certain resolutions involving things that you’ve always wanted to try. Do you like the idea of starting your days with affirmations? Are you planning on breaking any unwanted habits and/or replacing them with good ones?

Resolutions Can Be Effective If They’re Reasonable and You Put Your Mind To Them

Resolutions are also great when you know you can actually execute them. For example, carving some time out of your schedule (when possible) to research and carry out good recipes or improving your culinary skills are reasonable measures to take if you’d like to eat more nutritious, home-cooked meals.

Of course, nobody knows what you’re capable of better than you. Sticking with resolutions can be challenging, but if you’re determined enough, adopt the logical avenues, and set expectations that are realistic, you’ll likely yield favourable outcomes.

They Might Also Be Something Fun To Do With Others

Following through with a resolution can also be fun and more likely to be successful when people hold each other accountable. Though this depends on how you prefer to work on resolutions (and what they are), choosing to do them with others is an option that may lead to the desired long-term commitment and even enhanced productivity. For example, if you resolve to exercise more, you could do so with friends at a nearby gym on a regular basis and encourage one another while doing so.

Cons

These Resolutions Are Often Associated With Being (Unintentionally) Short-Lived

More often than not, New Year’s resolutions are associated with being short-term or not even taken seriously. Despite feeling motivated initially, some eventually encounter a lack of motivation and stop pursuing them after the first week of January or other events occurring in their lives (understandably) interfere. Sometimes, people also find themselves so caught up in the excitement and optimism during this time that they make their resolutions unrealistic/too ambitious.

They Can Be Easily Forgotten

As people frequently see resolutions in an unfavourable light, they could also be subjected to being forgotten. Unless they’re physically written down somewhere, extremely important to you, or arranged so that you’re reminded of them everyday, resolutions are commonly set aside.

Overall, New Year’s resolutions have a good purpose, but also don’t have a reputation for lasting very long. It’s great when you commit to them and enjoy yourself throughout, but life can get in the way. If resolutions are something you’re considering, ensure that they’re worth your while. With everything considered, what’s crucial is making choices that are right for you.