Why New Year's resolutions often disappear faster than expected
The turn of the year feels like a fresh start. Many people resolve to live more consciously, take more time for themselves or produce less waste.
But after just a few weeks, New Year's resolutions start to wobble.
That's less about a lack of motivation and more often about how resolutions are phrased: too big, too vague or too strict. If you want to change everything at once, you overwhelm yourself. Psychological findings show that small, positively phrased changes are much more successful.
👉 Source: https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/442773-trending-science-what-does-science-say-about-all-the-failed-new-year-s-resolutions/de
1: Phrase your New Year's resolutions so they motivate you
A common mistake is focusing on giving things up. Our brain tends to react to that with resistance rather than motivation.
It's better to phrase New Year's resolutions as an invitation to something new.
Instead of:
"I want to have less stress."
Better:
"I consciously take 10 minutes just for myself every evening."
Or, very concretely in everyday life:
"I start my morning with a set care routine that's good for me."
Phrasing like this is easier to put into practice – and this is exactly where small rituals can help. For example, a calm morning routine with your Ben&Anna deodorant, a mindful shower or a short moment of care before the day begins.
2: Make goals tangible – small, concrete, realistic
Many New Year's resolutions fail because they stay too abstract. Terms like "more mindfulness" or "producing less waste" sound good but need translating into everyday life.
Here's how resolutions become tangible:
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"Producing less waste" becomes:
→ "I'll replace one everyday product with a refillable version." -
"More self-care" becomes:
→ "I'll schedule two fixed self-care evenings a month." -
"Taking better care of myself" becomes:
→ "I'll take time for a short care routine in the morning."
Small goals like these are easy to tick off – and every tick strengthens the feeling of sticking with it. That's exactly what makes New Year's resolutions successful in the long run.
3: Planning instead of pure motivation
Motivation is a good start, but not a reliable companion. What really helps is planning.
New Year's resolutions work better when they're firmly built into everyday life.
Helpful questions:
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When exactly will I put my resolution into practice?
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Which everyday situation is suitable for it?
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How can I make it easy to stick with?
Example:
Instead of resolving to "live more consciously", a set evening ritual can help – such as a calm end to the day with care, relaxation and a mindful moment for yourself. Care products you enjoy using support routines like these automatically. 👉 Here you'll find matching products to support you.
New Year's resolutions are allowed to feel good
An often underestimated point: resolutions have to fit your own life. They're allowed to feel good and leave room for flexibility.
Not every resolution has to be about performance. Sometimes it's simply about treating yourself and your surroundings more consciously.
Ben&Anna stands for exactly this attitude: small changes in everyday life that are easy to integrate – without pressure, without perfectionism.
Sticking with it doesn't mean being perfect
Setbacks are part of it. What matters is not to see New Year's resolutions as rigid rules but as guidance.
If you allow yourself to adjust, you'll stay more motivated in the long run than someone who gives up at the first slip.
The new year doesn't have to start perfectly – but honestly, realistically and with resolutions that really fit your life.
FAQ
1. Why do so many New Year's resolutions fail so quickly?
Many New Year's resolutions fail because they're too big, vague or negatively phrased. If you want to change too much at once or restrict yourself too much, you quickly lose motivation. Small, realistic steps that are phrased positively and close to everyday life work better.
2. How do I phrase New Year's resolutions that really work?
Successful New Year's resolutions are concrete, positive and achievable. Instead of focusing on giving things up, create new routines that feel good – for example: "I take 5 minutes every morning for a care routine." Resolutions like these help you stick with it in the long term.
3. What helps to stick with New Year's resolutions for good?
Planning is crucial for lasting New Year's resolutions. If you define concrete times and situations in your everyday life, you increase your chances of sticking with it long term. Small wins, like keeping up simple routines, are motivating too – without any perfectionism.
