For some, New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity for growth. For others, they are a pointless exercise in self-torture.
That may be because they are difficult to keep track of. In the USA44% of New Year’s resolutions last two to three months; only 6% lasts per year. In the United Kingdom17% of people give up their New Year’s resolution within a month.
What separates a good New Year’s resolution from a bad one? We asked Guardian readers to share resolutions that actually stuck. Their answers varied, but almost everyone agreed on one thing: a decision only lasts if it is something you really care about. So do you really want to learn French? Or would it make more sense to cut back on plastic use, or to see your friends more often?
Only you know the answer. Here are some successful resolutions that might inspire you. Personally, I’m interested in the decision about eating more donuts.
Fitness resolutions – or non-resolutions
I canceled my barely used gym membership. I didn’t like it. I didn’t want to go. Still, I didn’t cancel it because I was secretly ashamed that I didn’t like it. I have kept this resolution for 35 years.
James, 70, Washington
By 2024 I will have taken 6,000 steps every day. Working from home, especially in the winter, kept me from leaving the house some days. Hence the need to set an achievable goal to help with physical and mental well-being. It works. Target of 6,500 daily steps set for 2025.
Simon, 54, Sheffield
My resolution was not to weigh myself for a year. It sounds small, but for someone so focused on body weight, it was a scary and daunting challenge. The scale can dictate your mood, your day, your sense of success or failure as a person. I was completely fed up with the power of the scale and wanted to try to break this cycle. The solution worked because I didn’t give in to the fear. And I knew that my life would be better if I could take on this challenge. So far I have succeeded!
Liz, 65, London
Food and cooking resolutions
I decided to wear an apron while cooking. I had cooked without an apron all my life and I had stained my clothes too many times.
Julia, 64, Iowa
This year we decided to drink good coffee – not instant coffee. Life is short! We prefer good coffee, but we used to only make it on weekends, which seemed strange considering that instant coffee is quite expensive these days. We’ve stuck to it all year, even though we hate washing the coffee pot!
Eleanor, 39, Noordants
Every year I decide to learn a new cooking technique. Now my repertoire includes Thai curry and fried rice, as well as bread and jam. I’m still working on the perfect pie crust.
Baldwin, retired, Oregon
Nine years ago I wanted to do something fun, liberating, achievable and successful. So I decided to eat more donuts.
Jennifer, 53, California
I spent a year at a Quaker retreat and study center and wanted to enjoy the good things in life more instead of gobbling them up. I started by slowly eating a piece of chocolate after a meal. It gave me more joy than eating a whole bar of chocolate. So I decided to ‘eat more chocolate’. I eat less and enjoy it more.
Rachel, retired, United States
My husband and I stopped using sugar in coffee 10 years ago. It remains the only resolution I have ever kept!
Bernadette, 43, Manchester
Creative resolutions
A few years ago I made the decision to broaden my music tastes by listening to artists outside my usual comfort zone and going to random concerts with my friends. I enjoyed my musical experience so much that year that I followed through with the resolution and now it’s just an ongoing part of my life: discovering new music.
Samuel, 26, New York
In 2017, I resolved to read every night before going to bed. I’ve kept it ever since. I felt like I wasn’t reading enough and was an avid reader when I was younger. I also thought it would help me relax before going to sleep as I am not a good sleeper. I was right! I’m really looking forward to the last part of the day and I’m enjoying reading now.
Anonymously
I vowed to listen to the same symphony every day for a week and then move on to a new one. I wasn’t really familiar with symphonic music, and listening to the same piece every day can really open it up. A good friend discovered what I was doing and joined in. I have just listened to Hans Huber’s Eighth Symphony daily for the last time. Highlights included Jimmy López Bellido’s Second and Anthony Ritchie’s Sixth.
Graeme, 53, Shetland
Social resolutions
Plan a social event in every calendar month of the year. I did this to have fun, so I could get involved in other people’s activities, and it worked.
Gerry, 63, Stoke-on-Trent
My resolution five years ago was to stop building connections with people over gossip or mutual dislike. I had noticed that I often formed quick bonds with new friends because of someone’s shared point of view, and I found it toxic. I wanted to change the way I interact with people, move away from my natural tendencies and actively try to see the good in people. I also think it has helped me be kinder to myself.
Liv, 30, London
after newsletter promotion
Seven years ago I decided to go to the pub with my neighbors every Friday. We leave at 6 o’clock, home at 8 o’clock. A civilized start to the weekend.
Anonymously
About ten years ago, I made a New Year’s resolution to say “yes” to others’ suggestions and invitations to cultural affairs—a concert, a dance event, a play, a visit, even if it seemed “off the wall.” ‘ or ‘not quite to my taste’. I realized that raising children had gotten me into a long-term rut. My life and interests had become smaller. It was “kids in bed, dishes done, collapse”. So I said yes, and I have seen and experienced a lot. I don’t go out all the time, just more than I used to.
Alison, 58, Sussex
When you live on the other side of the world from your family, it can be difficult to find time to connect. One year, my sister and I decided to make a joint New Year’s resolution that would bring us closer together – to share one photo to represent what we did that day, every day for a year. I went from not being able to find time for a conversation to just getting a snapshot of her day. It was so special and we continue with it to this day.
Maria, 37, Auckland
Family results
This year I made a conscious effort to send a birthday card to everyone in my family: parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, 15 people in total. My family and I aren’t very good at sending birthday cards. It is seen as something you only get as a child. So many of us get little or no recognition of our birthdays once we reach adulthood.
Adam, Ireland
Lifehack resolutions
The only (New Year’s Resolution) I’ve managed to incorporate it into my daily life: flossing every night. I got tired of my dental hygienist nagging me.
Allison, 68, Washington
About ten years ago, I narrowed myself down to a single resolution: be more awesome. It has helped me improve my health, learn new languages and travel the world. There is no pressure, no set definition, just the goal of living a fuller and more interesting life every year.
Ella, 42, London
A very small thing: three years ago my New Year’s resolution was to back into the garage at my house. My father had been begging me for decades to park with the engine facing outside so that it would be easier to deal with if the car broke down. To my utter shock, amazement and amazement, it has become second nature. I even back into a parking space now – most of the time.
Sue, 64, Sussex
I was notoriously always late. Then, about twenty years ago, I waited half an hour for a friend who was 100 yards from the pub where we were supposed to meet. She eventually arrived without any explanation or apology. Only then, after becoming increasingly irritated while waiting for her, did I realize what it feels like to be the one waiting. I decided not to be late anymore and since then I have always been on time.
Anonymously
I have been saving money every month for the past three years. I am preparing for my retirement in 16 years. My salary used to be wasted on clothes, vacations, food and furniture. I opened an interest-paying account and decided that I would stick with this resolution regardless of the consequences – I knew I would have to do without new clothes and a new car. I now have a considerable nest egg.
Anonymously
I decided to go outside when it’s sunny. It could only be for a few minutes. It doesn’t sound like much, but it feels great.
Jane, Pacific northwest
Environmentally responsible resolutions
I decided that I didn’t feel comfortable eating meat and that I was going to stop. I didn’t consider it a New Year’s resolution, but it seemed natural to start on New Year’s Day. That was 18 years ago and I have never eaten meat since.
Simon, 37, Ashton-under-Lyne
Five years ago I decided to stop buying clothes or shoes, except for replacements for something that was worn out. I make my own clothing, and provided the fabric comes from a sustainable source, this is “allowed” as long as the garment is really needed. Overall, my clothes are now good quality, well made and will last a long time. Cheap disposable clothing ruins the environment. We must use and preserve what we have.
Fiona, retired, North Wales
Every year I decide to reduce my plastic footprint by purchasing unpackaged items, glass whenever possible, and only natural fiber clothing. It’s becoming much harder to find non-spandex or microfiber clothing, but I’m hanging in there. This year’s resolution will be the same, with renewed determination and effort.
Helga, retired, Nova Scotia
Three years ago I decided to stop buying plastic wrap or plastic storage bags as a small way to reduce the environmental damage I cause. Keeping this resolution has helped me get creative when delivering plates of Christmas cookies and wrapping sandwiches. It has also prompted me to make other environmentally responsible resolutions.
Catherine, 66, New York