“New year, new me” is a popular wish when 2025. knocks on our door. From fitness to learning a new language, people welcome the new year with open arms, showing big things for the coming year. But all enthusiasm eventually wears off, and before you know it, the list of resolutions will be reworked next year. Have you ever wondered why people give up on their resolutions? In new interviews with HT, experts told why New Year’s resolutions are abandoned.
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Why do resolutions fail?
Resolutions are very often made, and like Diwali, the list is carried over to the next year. Enough about the gameplay, it’s time to dig into why permissions are ghosts. Let’s examine the psyche of why solutions are rejected.
Dr. Rajiv Mehta, vice-chairman of psychiatry at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, said, “Old habits die hard,” and that’s certainly true of most New Year’s resolutions. Most of the time, we are unable to comply with the regulations. And this applies equally to first-timers and old-timers. First people often overestimate their potential and believe that they can work miracles, as a result they set several unrealistic goals. Old people, under the influence of a sense of guilt for previous unattainables and to prove themselves and their loved ones, set unattainable goals for themselves. Apart from multiple and unrealistic goals, other reasons for failure are the lack of a clear road map, the inability to track progress and the lack of a support system.”
There is such tunnel vision in resolution that any misstep often results in the resolution being abandoned altogether. Ajit Dandekar, Head of Mental Health at Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital in Mumbai, explained this.
He said, “One of the most common mistakes in achieving resolution is succumbing to the abstinence-breaching effect, where minor failures are perceived as outright failures. For example, skipping a workout or eating junk food doesn’t mean your entire fitness plan has failed. Instead, such moments should be seen as opportunities to learn, recalibrate, and move forward with greater determination. This perspective, rooted in the psychology of addiction, teaches us that every setback is part of the journey to meaningful change. Instead of chasing dramatic transformations, consider a mindset shift: embrace incremental progress, giving yourself room to make course corrections along the way.”
How do you stay committed to your decisions?
Resolutions should be achievable, not lofty, unrealistic goals. You are more likely to stay motivated and committed to your goals if you are realistic.
SMART goals
Dr. Ajit Dandekar recommended using specific steps to make your goals achievable. He said: “To make progress more attainable, focus on setting specific, actionable milestones. For example, instead of ‘getting in shape’, aim for tangible habits like walking 30 minutes four times a week. Positively worded goals, such as ” eating nutritious food” rather than “cutting out junk food” is more about motivation and practicality. Celebrate the small wins along the way recognition strengthens commitment and encourages further effort.”
He also suggested using the SMART principle to see success. Dr. Dandekar explained, “When making your resolutions, make sure they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Instead of promising to “lose 40 pounds,” focus on “losing 5 pounds a month by exercising three times a week.” Start with small, manageable steps and build up your efforts over time. Research consistently shows that gradual changes in routine strengthen confidence and make long-term success more likely.”
Road map
Watching how you go on a journey, you need to watch the progress. Dr. Rajiv Mehta emphasized this as one of the cardinal rules to be patient and monitor progress. He emphasized the need to have a clear road map along with a support system. Having a road map gives you a clear idea of whether you’re on the right track.
Prepare in advance
Don’t rush into your decisions without a plan. Dr. Ajit Dandekar elaborated on the importance of preparation. He said: “Preparation is also key to overcoming obstacles. Anticipate problems and have a backup plan. If working late hours doesn’t allow you to hit the gym, consider home workouts or quick office stretches to keep your momentum going. Flexibility and adaptability ensure that setbacks don’t completely derail your progress. What’s more, regularly monitoring your progress allows you to adjust your goals as needed, keeping them realistic and achievable.”
Make decisions tangible
Decisions can’t be 3am musings from disembodied voices in your head. They need to be tangible to work properly, as Dr. Rajiv Mehta said, “Remember that resolutions should not be noted only in your mind or verbally, but goals should be properly entered either in gadgets or on paper where you can see them regularly to see.”
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
