The Ultimate Guide to New Year’s Resolutions: Losing Weight and Finding Your Funny Bone

As the calendar year comes to a close, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming one. New Year’s resolutions have become a tradition for many, and while some may scoff at the idea, setting goals and striving for self-improvement is always worthwhile. In this guide, we’ll explore the history and statistics of New Year’s resolutions, offer tips for setting and keeping achievable solutions, and provide some fun and inspiring ideas for this year’s resolutions.

Why We Make New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions have been around for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Babylonians, who made promises to their gods at the start of each year. The tradition continued through the centuries, with religious communities using the new year as a time for reflection and commitment to self-improvement. New Year’s resolutions have become secular, with people of all backgrounds and beliefs using the start of the year as a fresh start to set goals and make positive changes.

There are many reasons why we make New Year’s resolutions. For some, it’s a way to break out of a rut and try new things. For others, it’s a chance to improve their health, finances, or relationships. Whatever the reason, setting goals and making resolutions can be a powerful motivator for change.

The Statistics of New Year’s Resolutions

Despite the popularity of New Year’s resolutions, research shows that many people struggle to keep them. A study by the University of Scranton found that only 8% of people achieve their resolutions. The most common answers are related to health and fitness, followed by financial goals and self-improvement.

While the statistics may seem discouraging, it’s important to remember that setting goals and working towards them is always worthwhile, regardless of whether or not we achieve them. Setting a resolution can be a powerful motivator, and even if we fall short of our goals, we can still learn and grow in the process.

The History of New Year’s Resolutions

As mentioned earlier, New Year’s resolutions have existed for thousands of years. The ancient Babylonians would make promises to their gods at the start of each year, while the Romans would make resolutions to Janus, who was believed to have two faces, one looking back and one looking forward.

In more recent history, the Puritans of colonial America would make resolutions at the start of each year, using the practice to reflect on their sins and make amends. New Year’s resolutions have become secular, with people of all backgrounds using the start of the year as a fresh start to set goals and make positive changes.

How to Set Achievable New Year’s Resolutions

Setting achievable New Year’s resolutions is vital to success. Here are some tips for developing solutions that are realistic and attainable:

1. Be specific: Instead of setting a vague goal like “lose weight,” set a specific purpose like “lose 10 pounds by March.”
2. Break it down: Break your goal down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, start running a mile daily and gradually increase your distance.
3. Make it measurable: Track your progress and celebrate your successes.
4. Be realistic: Set goals that are challenging but achievable. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and disappointment.
5. Hold yourself accountable: Tell a friend or family member about your goal and ask them to hold you responsible.

Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Resolutions

Setting a resolution is one thing, but sticking to it is another. Here are some tips for staying motivated and sticking to your New Year’s resolutions:

1. Find a support system: Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support your goals.
2. Visualize success: Imagine yourself achieving your goal and how it will feel when you do.
3. Reward yourself: Celebrate your successes with a small treat or a bigger reward when you reach your goal.
4. Don’t be too hard on yourself: Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the process, and don’t give up if you slip up.
5. Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude and focus on your progress rather than setbacks or failures.

Common New Year’s Resolutions for Bettering Yourself

While everyone’s goals and aspirations are unique, there are some common New Year’s resolutions that many people make to better themselves. Here are a few examples:

1. Lose weight or get in shape
2. Save money or get out of debt
3. Learn a new skill or hobby
4. Travel to new places
5. Volunteer or give back to the community
6. Improve mental health and wellbeing
7. Spend more time with family and friends

Losing Weight as a New Year’s Resolution

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions but it can also be challenging. Here are some tips for setting achievable weight loss goals:

1. Set a specific goal: Instead of saying you want to “lose weight,” set a specific goal like “lose 20 pounds by June.”
2. Find an accountability partner: Ask a friend or family member to join you in your weight loss journey, or hire a personal trainer to hold you accountable.
3. Make a plan: Create a meal plan and exercise schedule that works for your lifestyle and stick to it.
4. Track your progress: Keep a food diary and track your weight loss progress to stay motivated.
5. Celebrate your successes: Reward yourself with a non-food treat when you reach a milestone, like a new pair of workout leggings or a massage.

Finding Your Funny Bone as a New Year’s Resolution

While weight loss and financial goals are common New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget to make room for some fun and lighthearted aspirations. One idea is to make finding your funny bone a resolution for the year. Here are some ideas for incorporating humor into your life in the upcoming year:

1. Watch more comedy: Whether it’s stand-up specials on Netflix or classic comedies from the 80s, make a goal to watch more funny content in the upcoming year.
2. Take an improv class: Improv classes are a fun and creative way to get out of your comfort zone and improve your comedic timing.
3. Share More Jokes: Make a goal to share a joke with a friend or family member daily, whether through text, email, or in person.
4. Laugh at yourself: Don’t take yourself too seriously, and learn to laugh at your mistakes and missteps.
5. Attend a comedy show: Whether it’s a local open mic night or a big-name comedian, attending a live comedy show is a great way to get some laughs and support the arts.

Funny New Year’s Resolution Ideas

If finding your funny bone is a resolution for the year, why not make your actual resolution humorous as well? Here are some funny New Year’s resolution ideas to get you started:

1. Eat more cake (because life is short)
2. Pet every dog I see (even the ones that aren’t cute)
3. Learn to speak whale (because who knows when that will come in handy)
4. Stop singing in the shower (because my neighbors have complained enough)
5. Wear more glitter (because it’s always a good idea)

Inspiring New Year’s Resolution Quotes

If you’re looking for some inspiration as you set your New Year’s resolutions, here are some quotes to motivate and encourage you:

1. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” -C.S. Lewis
2. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt
3. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that count.” -Winston Churchill.
4. “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” -Theodore Roosevelt.
5. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky

New Year’s Resolution Speeches

If you’re feeling particularly inspired, why not give a New Year’s resolution speech to your friends or family members? Here are some tips for crafting a memorable and inspiring speech:

1. Start with a personal anecdote or story to engage your audience.
2. Share your resolutions and goals for the upcoming year to inspire others.
3. Offer tips and advice for setting and achieving realistic goals.
4. Encourage your audience to support and hold each other accountable in their resolution journeys.
5. End on a positive note, reminding everyone that setting them is a worthy pursuit even if they fall short of their goals.

Conclusion

Setting New Year’s resolutions is a time-honored tradition that can be a powerful motivator for change. Whether your goals are serious or lighthearted, it’s important to set achievable and realistic goals that will help you grow and improve in the coming year. By following the tips and ideas in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling 2023.