No More Procrastination: Tips to Materialize Your New Year’s Resolution

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda – "New Year, New Me!" It’s the iconic mantra heard at every New Year’s Eve celebration. Beyond the festivities, the turn of the year is almost synonymous with the "New Year’s Resolution." Merriam-Webster defines a resolution as “a personal expression of will or intent, especially in pursuit of a goal.” It is no surprise, then, that people pack their resolutions with ambitious targets, ranging from improving physical well-being and exploring new travel destinations to pursuing better career opportunities.

However, despite our best intentions, these resolutions are often short-lived. A study from the University of Scranton suggests that a mere 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s goals. Similarly, research reported by Forbes found that only 6% of 1,000 respondents managed to stick with their resolutions in the long run.

So, why is the failure rate so high? One of the primary factors is poor goal-setting. Frequently, our goals are either too lofty and not carefully thought out, or conversely, so simple that they lead to boredom and a lack of motivation.

The type of goal you set also plays a significant role in your success rate. A study published by the Public Library of Science (PLoS) found that approach-oriented goals (focused on taking action) are significantly more likely to succeed than avoidance-oriented goals (focused on stopping a behavior). In their data set, action-oriented goals saw a 58.9% success rate, compared to just 47.1% for avoidance-based intentions.

In order to make all of your resolutions come to fruition, here are some tips that you can do!

        1. Start Small and Be Realistic

Instead of setting lofty goals just to appear ambitious, aim for targets that are sensible and achievable. Major successes are often rooted in small habits practiced consistently. By setting realistic goals, your chances of success increase significantly. For example, rather than immediately committing to hitting the gym every single day to lose weight, you can start by walking for 5–10 minutes or cutting back on sweet foods. 

Big changes always begin with small step!

        2. Set Specific Goals

Vague resolutions, such as simply wanting a "good GPA," are often difficult to realize because they lack a clear benchmark. By narrowing down your target—for instance, specifying the exact GPA you aim to achieve—you will feel more motivated and have a clearer sense of direction in pursuing that resolution.

        3. Do What You Love!

Integrating things you enjoy can make sticking to your resolutions much easier. Hobbies like playing badminton, traveling to new places, or cooking can be turned into part of your New Year’s resolutions. By making activities you enjoy your goals, the process becomes more fun while simultaneously helping you develop your existing interests and talents.

        4. Share Your Resolutions with Your Loved Ones

Support from family, best friends, and loved ones can boost your motivation to reach your targets. Dr. John Michael, a philosopher at the University of Warwick, notes that social pressure can actually encourage individuals to stick to their promises or commitments. By sharing your resolutions with those closest to you, you will feel a greater sense of accountability to see them through.

        5. Set Clear Deadlines

Resolutions are easier to achieve when accompanied by good time management. You can break down long-term goals into several short-term milestones to make them more measurable and less overwhelming. Once your resolution is set, the next step is to devise a detailed strategy to achieve it.

       6. Trust the Process and Be Patient

There is no such thing as instant achievement, and New Year's resolutions are no exception. Everything requires time, effort, and patience. The speed at which you reach your goals depends heavily on your consistency and dedication to the process.

By implementing these strategies, your resolutions will become far more attainable. While determination and commitment are vital, reaching your goals is significantly easier when you have the right strategy in place.

Choosing Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) as the gateway to your future could be your most impactful resolution yet. Dedicated to fostering both academic excellence and personal growth, UMKT provides students with unparalleled learning opportunities in a supportive environment. Through a wide array of extracurricular activities and world-class facilities designed to boost productivity, we empower our students to turn their aspirations into tangible achievements.

Author: M. Rafly Raihandy

Indonesian Editor: Raisha Azzahro

Image source: Freepik