Ah, New Year’s resolutions—the promises we make to ourselves after the post-holiday haze of eggnog, sugar cookies, and Netflix binges. January 1st dawns like a crisp blank page, and we eagerly write down our intentions for a better, brighter version of ourselves. Fast forward a few weeks, and that once hopeful list has somehow migrated to the junk drawer, right next to the takeout menus.
Let’s face it: keeping resolutions is tough. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. The second Friday of January has been affectionately dubbed “Quitter’s Day”—the unofficial holiday for abandoning your goals. If you’re reading this with a donut in hand and gym shoes gathering dust in the corner, don’t panic. Let’s break down the most popular resolutions, why we tend to abandon them, and how you can stay on track (without needing a personal life coach or a motivational soundtrack).
1. Save More Money
We kick off January with spreadsheets, savings apps, and dreams of watching our bank accounts grow fatter than our December credit card bill. Then… sales happen. Suddenly, the “New Year, New Me” turns into “New Year, New Shoes.”
Why We Struggle: After the holidays, deprivation can feel like punishment. Who wants to eat ramen for weeks just to watch their savings inch up?
How to Stay on Track: Make this goal SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying, “I’ll save more money,” try: “I’ll save $50 a week for six months by bringing my own lunch to work three times a week.” And if you slip up once, don’t panic—just keep moving forward. No one ever said, “Welp, I spent $10 at Starbucks, guess I’m broke forever!”
2. Eat Healthier
January 1: You’re a kale-smoothie-making champion. By January 10: You’re considering calling chips and salsa a “balanced snack.” It’s a tale as old as time.
Why We Struggle: Healthy eating can feel joyless if we make it too extreme. “No carbs. No sugar. No fun!” is a terrible strategy.
How to Stay on Track: Start small and realistic. If your current vegetable intake is limited to french fries, maybe aim to add a side of greens rather than going full vegan overnight. And remember: moderation beats misery. If you need that slice of cake at your cousin’s birthday party, enjoy it. A salad at dinner balances things out—it’s science (or at least math).
3. Exercise More
January is the month when gyms are packed, new leggings arrive by the box, and everyone posts their #FitGoals on Instagram. By Quitter’s Day, those hashtags are mysteriously replaced by #TreatYoSelf.
Why We Struggle: We go too hard, too fast. You can’t expect to go from zero to marathon runner in a week without wanting to quit (or needing a stretcher).
How to Stay on Track: If you haven’t exercised since PE class in high school, a goal of “working out every day” may not be your best bet. Instead, aim for “three 30-minute workouts a week” or “two strength training sessions and one fun run.” And don’t forget to reward yourself (with non-food rewards, unless the reward is tacos, which we totally support). Progress is progress, whether you’re lifting weights or just taking the stairs.
Are You Still Holding Strong?
So, now that you’ve survived Quitter’s Day… are you sticking to your resolutions? If not, don’t worry—resolutions aren’t an all-or-nothing game. Life happens. Goals change. Maybe your original resolution wasn’t the right fit or lacked the structure it needed to thrive.
Top Tip: Write down why you want to achieve your goal and read it often. When your “why” is strong enough, it’s easier to stay on track. And if you’re still struggling, make a tweak, not a total rewrite.
Example: Instead of “I’ll never order takeout,” say, “I’ll limit takeout to weekends.” Boom. Instant win.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day (or the end of January), resolutions aren’t about perfection—they’re about making meaningful changes, however small. Whether you’re crushing your goals or adjusting along the way, remember that every small effort adds up. And hey, if you make it past Quitter’s Day? That’s a victory worth celebrating.
