Why Only 1 in 10 Texans Win at New Year’s Resolutions

Every New Year’s Eve, millions make resolutions for the new year. The question is, why?

Old Habits Die Hard

To find out why we make resolutions every year that we are bound to break, you have to travel back a few thousand years. Ancient Babylonians are the first to have documented accounts of New Year’s celebrations which at the time occurred in March when crops were planted.They are also the first to have a tradition that closely resembles our present New Year’s resolutions. As part of a 12-day festival involving their king, the Babylonians promised the gods that they would repay their debts and return any borrowed items.They believed that the gods would show favor with those who kept their promises.

Rome

The Babylonians were not alone in their celebrations. Rome’s New Year celebration began in 46 BC after Julius Caesar altered the calendar to designate January 1st as the first day of the new year. The name “January” is derived from Janus, a two-faced god that symbolically looked back to the previous year while looking ahead to the new year. The Romans offered the god sacrifices and promises of good behavior.

Christians

Christians saw the first day of the new year as an opportunity for reflection and a chance to do better in the coming year. In 1740, John Wesley (founder of the Methodist church) started the Covenant Renewal Service, on either New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. It was a spiritual alternative to the usual drunken brawls on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Resolutions in 2025

Today's resolutions are more about self-control and self-improvement.According to recent research, nearly half of Americans make New Year's resolutions and 25% of people keep the resolution for a month. Less 10% of people stay committed to the resolution.