Top New Year’s Resolutions That Have Been Broken Every Year
Ah, New Year’s resolutions—those grand promises we make to ourselves as the clock strikes midnight and the champagne glasses clink. Every January 1st, we’re filled with optimism, determination, and perhaps a bit too much wine. Fast forward to February, and those resolutions often end up collecting dust next to that yoga mat you promised you’d use every day.
Let’s take a humorously honest look at the most frequently broken New Year’s resolutions. Spoiler alert: You’ve likely broken at least three of them.
1. “I’m going to eat healthier.”
This is the ultimate resolution. The day after New Year’s, your fridge is stocked with Greek yogurt, oats, and almond milk—all the signs of someone who has their life in order. You even search for “meal prep ideas” with the best intentions.
But by January 3rd, a box of leftover holiday cookies somehow reappears on your counter. You rationalize it with “everything in moderation,” which means eating half of the leftover cookies and indulging in half a pie because you promise yourself you’ll eat a salad tomorrow. It’s all good.
2. “I’ll hit the gym every day.”
Gyms thrive during New Year’s. It’s their moment to shine, filled with enthusiastic newcomers in fresh, matching workout gear. You step inside feeling unstoppable, hit the treadmill with determination, and even snap a gym selfie to share.
But let’s be honest. By the end of the first week, your muscles are aching, your motivation is fading, and your comfy bed is calling you more than the treadmill ever could. You manage to hit the gym two or three times before realizing that rest days are a must.
3. “I’m going to save money.”
Financial resolutions often kick off with enthusiasm. You forgo your morning latte and start to cook at home more often. You even set aside a portion of your paycheck for savings and take pride in watching that balance grow.
Suddenly, your credit card sees action with that clearance sale on, and your shopping cart fills up with items you don’t need. But hey, that gadget was practically a steal with the discount. In the future, you will appreciate this “investment.”
4. “I’ll quit procrastinating.”
“New Year, New Me” swiftly morphs into “Eh, maybe next week.” You purchase a planner, set reminders, and even write a to-do list so meticulously organized that it could compete with a beautifully curated Pinterest board.
Yet, instead of diving in, you find yourself spending an hour looking up “effective to-do list strategies.” By the time you finally get started, you’re too worn out and opt to binge-watch a show as a reward for all that planning. Classic.
5. “I’ll wake up earlier.”
Who wouldn’t want to be a morning person? You envision serene mornings—waking up early, enjoying your coffee in peace, perhaps even fitting in a quick workout. But instead, your mornings turn into a frantic race against time.
The alarm goes off, and you find yourself hitting snooze one too many times. Suddenly, you’re in a rush to get ready, grabbing the nearest outfit, and dashing out the door (or to your desk) with hardly a moment to catch your breath. Even with all the effort to keep on track, mornings still manage to feel overwhelming and chaotic.
6. “I’ll learn a new skill.”
You decide it's time to expand your skills and declare that you'll become a gourmet chef, learn French, or finally get the hang of playing the guitar. You purchase a cookbook, sign up for Duolingo, or borrow your cousin’s guitar.
The thrill keeps you motivated for a few weeks—until the reality sets in that mastering a skill requires real effort. The cookbook ends up collecting dust, your French vocabulary is limited to “bonjour” and “croissant,” and the guitar has turned into just another piece of decor in your living room. But at least you gave it a shot.
7. “I’ll travel more.”
Visions of beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and breathtaking sunsets fill your thoughts. You resolve that this will be the year you explore the world's most sought-after destinations—as a well-deserved reward for your hard work in 2024 and to enjoy more quality moments with yourself, your friends, and your family.
However, reality hits: your work commitments are piling up, making those spontaneous trips feel like just a distant dream.
8. “I’ll be more organized.”
New Year’s is the perfect time to ditch the clutter and make room for the good stuff—hello, fresh year, fresh start! You invest in storage bins, label everything meticulously, and feel like a home organization expert (even your digital files are organized).
Fast forward a month, and those bins are now overflowing with new piles of mess. The labels have faded into obscurity and your desk? It’s now a chaotic mix of papers, and coffee cup stains (and all your work files are in the downloads folder). But hey, at least that clutter brings a little joy, right?
9. “I’ll read more books.”
You aimed high intending to read 24 books this year. Your bedside table is teeming with unread books, and you've arranged your couch cushions like a pro, creating a cozy reading corner that you'll eventually enjoy—once life slows down enough for you to read.
By June, you’ve managed to finish two books—both audiobooks you enjoyed while tidying up. Most of your reading time has been spent scrolling through online articles and re-reading text messages. That’s alright; perhaps next year you can finish all the books.
10. “I’ll drink less.”
"Dry January" kicks off with enthusiasm. You trade wine for sparkling water and feel proud for a week or two. Then, as Super Bowl Sunday looms, you decide to bend the rules a little.
The no-alcohol streak is broken, but a “few” drinks seem too good to resist. You chuckle, pour a couple of glasses, and raise a toast to moderation.
Breaking Resolutions: A Timeless Tradition
The reality is that New Year’s resolutions focus less on achieving perfection and more on what truly matters to us. If we break them, it’s not a failure—it’s just part of the journey. Resolutions serve as a reminder that we’re all a bit human, a bit messy, and full of ambition.
So, feel free to set those resolutions and chuckle when they start to fall apart. After all, there’s always next year. Or next Monday. Or whenever you feel ready. Resolutions might fade, but the memories—and the laughter—last a lifetime.