Vantage | Why focussing on approach goals may help achieve New Year resolutions

As the final days of 2023 wind down, we stand on the precipice of a new beginning – 2024. With only 10 days remaining, the familiar mantra of “New Year, New You” echoes in the air, beckoning individuals worldwide to embark on the journey of self-improvement and personal growth.

Ritual of New Year resolutions Year after year, people engage in the age-old tradition of setting New Year resolutions. Whether it’s a practice or a specific goal, these resolutions are designed to bring about positive changes in the upcoming year. From commitments to eat better and save money to more challenging endeavours like quitting smoking, the spectrum of resolutions is vast and varied. However, the reality often falls short of the initial enthusiasm. The journey towards a “New You” is fraught with challenges leading many to question the effectiveness of New Year resolutions. Research suggests that the success rate of New Year resolutions is alarmingly low. A mere 25 per cent of resolutions make it past the first week of January, and by the end of the year, fewer than 10 per cent are fully realised. The road to personal transformation frequently takes a detour into a shame spiral. Unpacking the challenge To understand the dynamics at play, it’s crucial to recognise the role of self-control in achieving goals. The renowned Marshmallow experiment conducted three decades ago revealed that individuals with better self-control during childhood achieved higher academic and professional success in adulthood. In essence, those who can persevere towards their goals, especially in the face of temptation, are better positioned for success. This concept of self-control has given rise to a cottage industry, with books, movies and even TikToks exploring its nuances. People employ various strategies to make their New Year resolutions work. Advice comes from psychologists, motivational speakers, entrepreneurs and a myriad of sources each offering their unique perspective on achieving personal goals. • Set bite-sized, realistic goals • Embrace challenges for personal growth • Ensure goals are measurable • Give goals personal meaning • Visualise success • Celebrate small victories • Persevere and don’t give up Yet, despite the plethora of guidance, setting resolutions often fails. So, why do people continue to struggle and why do resolutions remain unfulfilled? The challenge lies in the very nature of life itself backed by scientific reasoning. Humans are inherently poor at resisting temptation, especially when busy, tired or stressed. Short-term pleasures often take precedence over future benefits and repeated exertion of self-control can lead to inevitable setbacks. The key to success may not lie in how resolutions are framed but in the language used. Goals can be broadly categorised into avoidance goals and approach goals. Avoidance goals involve quitting something, like alcohol or social media, while approach goals focus on developing new habits, such as regular exercise or a healthier diet. Shifting perspectives Research indicates that individuals are 25 per cent more likely to achieve approach goals than avoidance goals. Therefore, the crucial shift is in starting to do things rather than stopping. Transform an avoidance goal into an approach one to increase the likelihood of success. For example, if the aim is to reduce social media use, set a resolution to read 10 pages of a book daily. Likewise, instead of vowing to stop eating candy for weight loss, commit to eating carrots every afternoon to curb cravings. While altering one’s understanding of personal change may not be a panacea, it does increase the chances of sticking to a resolution. As we stand on the cusp of 2024, let us resolve not just to set goals but to approach them with a fresh perspective. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards of personal growth and positive change are well worth the effort. Embrace the new year with a resolve to try and make 2024 a year of meaningful and lasting transformations. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.