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 make more sustainable decisions.
But after just a few weeks, New Year's resolutions begin to falter.
This is less due to a lack of motivation and more often due to how resolutions are formulated: too grand, too vague, or too strict. Anyone who tries to change everything at once overwhelms themselves. Psychological findings show: Small, positively formulated changes are significantly 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: Formulate New Year's resolutions so they motivate you
A common mistake is focusing on renunciation. Our brain tends to react to this with resistance rather than motivation.
It is better to formulate New Year's resolutions as an invitation to something new.
Instead of:
"I want to have less stress."
Better:
"I will consciously take 10 minutes for myself every evening."
Or, in everyday life, very specifically:
"I start my morning with a consistent care routine that makes me feel good."
Such formulations are easier to implement – and this is exactly where small rituals can help. For example, a quiet morning routine with your Ben&Anna Deodorant, a mindful shower, or a brief moment of self-care before the day begins.
2: Make goals tangible - small, concrete, realistic
Many New Year's resolutions fail because they remain too abstract. Terms like "more mindfulness" or "living more sustainably" sound good, but need to be translated into everyday life.
Here's how to make resolutions tangible:
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From "living more sustainably" becomes:
→ "I will replace one everyday product with a more conscious alternative." -
From "more self-care" becomes:
→ "I will schedule two fixed self-care evenings per month." -
From "taking better care of myself" becomes:
→ "I will take time for a short personal care routine in the morning."
Such small goals are easy to tick off – and each tick strengthens the feeling of staying on track. This is exactly what makes New Year's resolutions successful in the long term.
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 are firmly integrated into everyday life.
Helpful questions for this:
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Exactly when will I implement my resolution?
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Which everyday situation is suitable for it?
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How do I make it easy for myself to stay on track?
Example:
Instead of resolving to "live more consciously," a fixed evening ritual can help – for instance, a quiet end to the day with self-care, relaxation, and a mindful moment to oneself. Personal care products that you enjoy using automatically support such routines. 👉 Here you'll find suitable products to help you with this.
New Year's resolutions should feel good
An often underestimated point: resolutions must fit into one's own life. They should feel good and allow for flexibility.
Not every resolution has to be performance-oriented. Sometimes it's simply about being more conscious of oneself and one's environment.
Ben&Anna stands precisely for this attitude: small changes in everyday life that are easy to integrate – without pressure, without perfectionism.
Staying on track doesn't mean being perfect
Setbacks are part of the process. It's important not to view New Year's resolutions as rigid rules, but as guidance.
Those who allow themselves to adapt remain more motivated in the long run than someone who gives up everything at the first deviation.
The new year doesn't have to start perfectly - but honestly, realistically, and with resolutions that truly fit into your life.
FAQ
1. Why do many New Year's resolutions fail so quickly?
Many New Year's resolutions fail because they are too grand, vague, or negatively formulated. Those who try to change too much at once or restrict themselves too much quickly lose motivation. Small, realistic steps that are positive and everyday-oriented are better.
2. How do I formulate New Year's resolutions that really work?
Successful New Year's resolutions are concrete, positive, and achievable. Instead of focusing on abstinence, one should create new routines that feel good – for example: "I will take 5 minutes every morning for a personal care routine." Such resolutions promote long-term adherence.
3. What helps to implement New Year's resolutions permanently?
Planning is crucial for sustainable New Year's resolutions. Those who define specific times and situations in everyday life increase the chance of staying on track in the long term. Small successes, such as sticking to simple routines, also provide motivation – without any perfectionism.
