How did it start
The practice of making new year's resolutions is widespread across many cultures as the new year approaches. A new year is an important temporal landmark on the calendar when many people establish new goals for the year to come.
Historically, the earliest individuals known to have made New Year's pledges (later known as resolutions) were the Ancient Babylonians approximately 4,000 years ago.
Additionally, the Babylonians are the first recorded civilization to celebrate the new year. Though for them, the year began in mid-March when the crops were planted, not in January. The Babylonians' New Year's resolutions were linked with religion, mythology, power, and socioeconomic principles.
Furthermore, the ancient Romans embraced the Babylonian New Year and the habit of making resolutions. In 46 B.C., however, the Julian calendar designated January 1st to be the beginning of the new year, and the timing eventually altered.
New Year's resolutions are still a tradition in the United States, but the nature has evolved. Over time, it appears that resolutions have shifted from restricting physical indulgences to general self-improvements, such as weight loss. Moreover, today's resolutions are also a reflection of status, financial affluence, responsibility, and self-discipline, which is not all that different from how the New Year's resolution tradition originated.
Is it greater to simple lifestyle changes?
Of course, making New Year's resolutions is a fantastic concept. However, it might also be a bad decision. Bad because so many of our resolutions are shattered, which can lead to various forms of self-loathing for certain individuals.
Nevertheless, New Year's resolutions are essentially goals and these can also improve an individual's well-being since they require us to contemplate what we value most and help us arrange our time.
Why do New Year's resolutions inspire such change?
A facilitator at Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness at Piedmont, Dennis Buttimer, M.Ed., CEAP, RYT, gives his ideas;
Buttimer believes that the majority of individuals desire a second chance to better the quality of their lives. "The New Year provides a blank slate – an opportunity to make atonement. When we make New Year's resolutions, we employ a very essential notion known as self-efficacy, which indicates that by setting and achieving a goal, we feel in charge of our life.”
Differences in how different cultures celebrate the New Year
In most countries, New Year's Day is a public holiday commemorating the first day of the new year. It signifies the beginning of a new period of time that allows us to pause for reflection and anticipate a new season.
Traditions and festivities are major elements of any civilization and culture. They pull together what is common in a country, or social group to generate a sense of belonging and identity. In various ways, many individuals welcome the new year with family and close friends.
In New Zealand, there will be public concerts, countdowns, and fireworks in the major cities, as well as on several beaches and campgrounds along the East Coast. There will also be family and friend gatherings.
Japan celebrates Shōgatsu on the 1st of January. Japanese Buddhist temples toll their bells 108 times at the stroke of midnight. On New Year's Day, many individuals don their traditional Kimono attire and visit the temple.
Other cultures also observe the New Year, although not always on January 1. Some cultures, such as the Chinese, Korean, Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnamese observe the lunar calendar and celebrate the Lunar New Year at different times of the year.
Lastly, for Americans, we mark the new year with parties with friends and family. Typically, celebrations continue past midnight onto January 1 (New Year's Day). Here are some American New Year's Eve traditions:
· Times Square ball drop. An estimated 1 million people visit Times Square in New York City to witness the New Year's Eve Ball drop a minute before midnight and count down to the new year. As the lit Waterford crystal ball descends a 21-meter pole, over 1 billion people worldwide celebrate the new year. The 3.7-meter ball weights 5,400 kg.
· Auld Lang Syne. Americans and many English speakers sing this classic Scottish ballad near midnight, which translates to "For the sake of old times." The song about old friendships and generosity is often used to commemorate goodbyes and new beginnings.
· Kissing at midnight. Denver's New Year's Eve kiss. German and English traditions encourage kissing the first person you see at midnight. Traditionally, a good first impression sets the tone for the year.
· Black-eyed peas. Southerners think New Year's Day black-eyed peas bring luck and fortune. They often add a fresh penny to pea stew, making the recipient lucky. Black-eyed peas with cooked greens—the color of U.S. money—signify a successful new year.
· Fireworks. San Francisco's local fireworks display is another popular New Year's Eve tradition. Dallas, Las Vegas, and Walt Disney World in Orlando are other popular fireworks destinations.
10 Different Tips to Maintaining Your Resolutions Throughout the Year
1. Choose a Specific Goal
Millions of adults swear to "reduce weight," "be more productive," or "get in shape" each year. Instead of a vague goal, pick something you can realistically achieve. Choose a defined, feasible goal.
2. Limit Your Resolutions
Richard Wiseman, a psychology professor at Hertfordshire University, advises choosing one New Year's resolution rather than spreading oneself too thin among a number of different goals.
3. Put Time into Planning
Choose your goals early. Any ambition requires careful planning and selection. Experts recommend brainstorming how you will change a key behavior, why you want to do it, and how you will stay on track.
4. Start With Small Steps
Many New Year's resolutions fail due of overcommitment. Starting an unsustainable diet, overtraining, or drastically changing your behavior will undermine your plans. Instead, take small actions to accomplish your larger aim.
5.Avoid Repeating Past Failures
Avoid repeating your New Year's resolution. Make your resolution more achievable by modifying it. Change your strategy to see genuine results this year.
6.Remember That Change Is a Process
Take your time. Recognize that resolution takes time. You can restart and keep going if you make mistakes.
7. Get Support
You've heard this advice a million times because the buddy system works. Support can keep you motivated and accountable. 8 Companionship makes resolution-keeping more fun. Find a friend or loved one who shares your aim.
8. Renew Your Motivation
New Year's resolutions usually start with confidence and motivation. Remember why you're doing it in such moments. Consider (or write down) the benefits of reaching your goal. Inspiration can help you through challenging times.
9.Keep Working on Your Goals
Many people's January motivation has faded by March. Keep going after failures to maintain your inspiration. If your strategy isn't working, try something fresh. Being flexible with your plan—and even your end goal—will help you succeed.
10. Learn and Adapt
Most people give up on their New Year's resolutions after a setback. Relapses aren't failures. Challenges will arise on the way to your goals. Consider relapses learning opportunities.
It is never too late to make a list of your goals and start working toward them. If you want to maximize your productivity and stay on track all year long, a planner could be a lifesaver. If you would like to purchase it online, the relevant links are provided below.
“Do something today that your future self will thank you for”
― Sean Patrick Flanery
REFERENCES:
www.almanac.com/history-of-new-years-resolutions
www.verywellmind.com/how-to-keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2795719