Fulfill New Year Pledges

Every Baishakh, many people make New Year’s resolutions with high hopes of self-improvement – whether it’s losing weight, saving money, quitting a bad habit, or learning a new skill. The start of a fresh year feels like the perfect time for a change. Yet, by the end of the month, most of these resolutions are abandoned. There are only a small number of people who achieve their goals.  

So, why do so many New Year's resolutions fail? And more importantly, how do we finally break the cycle? Many resolutions fail because they’re too ambitious or vague to start. Many resolutions sound good at the start; maybe this year we can focus on “getting fit” or even “saving more money,” but without a clear, measurable plan, they’re destined to dry out. When progress is slow or setbacks happen, frustration sets in, and motivation plummets.  

The solution to this problem is setting smart goals. Smart goals mean specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. Instead of “save more money,” try “Save Rs. 2000 per month by cutting unnecessary takeout” or “use the 50-30-20 rule”. The 50-30-20 rule is a simple way to manage your money, which suggests allocating 50 per cent of your income to needs, 30 per cent to wants, and 20 per cent to savings.  

Relying on motivation alone is another problem. It is like expecting a car to run forever on a single tank of fuel. When people depend solely on motivation, they quickly burn out. Habits aren’t formed by sheer determination but by consistent, repeatable actions. The solution to this problem is building systems, not just goals. If you resolve to wake up earlier, place your alarm across the room so you can stand up. If you want to drink more water, keep a filled bottle at your desk and carry one everywhere.

Yet another problem is an "all-or-nothing" attitude. Many people approach their goals with rigid perfectionism, and they tend to give up at their first slip-up. Missing one workout or skipping one day of meditation doesn’t mean failure—yet too many treat it that way. This black-and-white thinking is one of the biggest reasons resolutions fail.  The solution to this problem is to forgive small mistakes and keep going, as progress isn’t always linear. Consistency over perfection is key, so adopt a "some-is-better-than-none" mindset.  

Lack of accountability is yet another problem. Resolutions made in private are easier to abandon because there are no consequences for quitting, and there's no one watching you. Without external reinforcements or accountability, it’s easy to quit when things get tough and motivation fades away. To address this issue, share your goals with a friend or join a challenge group. Public declaration of the goals can make quitting harder. Progress tracking and accountability increase commitment.  

Change is hard, and Baishakh may just not be the best time to overhaul your life. So start small and start anytime. Waiting for Baishakh 1st is arbitrary. People perform better with dates that have personal meaning (like birthdays). Remember that “perfect timing” doesn't exist. Real change can begin ‘today’.  New Year’s resolutions fail not due to personal weakness, but because we rely on outdated, ineffective strategies for change. 

Success comes from realistic planning, micro commitments, and self-compassion. Instead of making grand promises, focus on small, daily improvements. Real change happens gradually, not overnight. This year, ditch the resolution rollercoaster. Set smarter goals, build better systems, and remember progress is what truly matters.