When the new year rolls around, deciding and executing a New Year’s resolution can be challenging! But have you ever wondered when, who, where, how, and why it began in the first place? Also, is there anyone who actually manages to keep their promises?

The first known resolutions were made by the ancient Babylonians in 2000 BCE. They celebrated a spring festival called Akitu, when they made promise to deities, such as returning borrowed items, to wel-
come prosperity and a fresh beginning. Later, in 46 BCE, Julius Caesar established the first of January as the first day of the year. They made offerings and promises to Janus, the god of doorways, for good conduct. January is actually named after Janus! Medieval knights took the “Peacock Vow,” in which they placed their hands on a peacock and made a pledge to uphold their oaths for the coming year. Figures such as Jonathan Edwards shifted resolutions to the promise of self-improvement, such as avoiding sin and debt, in the 17th–18th centuries. This practice eventually evolved into the New Year’s resolution that we know today: the tradition of making yearly promises to improve oneself.

If many New Year’s resolutions sound similar, that’s because many individuals make similar choices. A few
of the most common resolutions are centered around health and finance, such as losing weight, paying off
debt, spending less, and sticking to a workout routine. Others include spending more time with family, traveling more, and learning new skills. Also, studies have shown that younger people, those under 30 years old, are more likely to make resolutions than those over 50. Keeping a resolution can feel daunting, and you may feel like joining the 20–30% of people who don’t bother making resolutions. But there are some helpful tips.

Break it down into steps to give yourself a chance to find a clear path to your goal. Talk about it with family or friends. Having someone to share with can make the journey more enjoyable. Finally, remember that perfection is unattainable. Don’t give up because you ate a slice of cake on your birthday or went three dollars over budget. Missteps are common and easy to fix. Even if you don’t reach your goal by the end of the year, don’t beat yourself up. After all, only around 8–9% of the population keeps their resolution!