New Years Resolutions

Written By Bryce Ballantine

Every December 31, millions of people sit down and decide who they want to be in the new year. You hear things like “New year, new me” everywhere. Most resolutions fall into the same categories: work out more, eat better, save money, improve mental health, quit drinking or smoking. Self-improvement is all the rage.

And don’t get me wrong, I’m all for it. I’m constantly trying to improve myself, too.

My issue isn’t what people want to change. It’s when they decide to change.

Last May, I was talking with a friend about life after graduation. The conversation drifted toward self-improvement and some things we both wanted to work on. At one point, my friend said something that really stuck with me: “Yeah, that’ll be one of my New Year’s resolutions.”

That got me thinking: why do we wait until December 31 to make life-altering decisions? Why wait seven months when you could start today?

It takes a full calendar year - 12 months, 365 days - for people to realize they want to change something about their lives. And the worst part? Most of those resolutions last about a week. After that, it turns into, “Eh, I’ll try again next year.”

What’s even more interesting is that there are over 40 different “New Year” celebrations around the world, across cultures, religions, and calendars. Yet we don’t use any of those as motivation to improve ourselves. We’ve collectively decided that December 31 is the only acceptable time to start changing.

People don’t even use their own birthday as a reset, which, if you think about it, is kind of your personal New Year. Another year older. Another clean slate.

If you really want to make changes in your life, you don’t need to wait for December 31, the Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year, or even your birthday.

You can start today.

Even if it’s just getting 1% better than you were yesterday. Because that 1% adds up and compounds into something bigger than you probably expect.

Now, with all that said… I’ll admit it. I’ve fallen into the New Year’s resolution trap, too.

It’s convenient. The holidays are full of reflection, time with family and friends, and moments where you realize how much better your life could be.

So yes, I made a few resolutions this year:

  • Read one book a month

  • Create passive income

  • Take care of my family

  • Get 1% better every day

  • Write a blog every week

  • Communicate more effectively

There are plenty of other areas I need to improve; these are just a starting point.

But I’m not waiting until December 31 to act on them. And I hope you don’t wait either.

Start today.


Bryce Ballantine