Are you a pro at making – and sticking to – a New Year’s resolution, or should you forget about even setting a goal? This quiz has been created to put your Resolution Resilience to the test. By answering a series of questions, it will reveal whether you are a master who can handle multiple goals with ease, or whether you struggle with your willpower.
It comes after research found just four in 10 Brits intend to make a New Year’s resolution this year – as a quarter are so fed up with failing, that they can’t be bothered to go through it again.
The study of 2,000 adults found that one in five (21 percent) are simply happy with their lot, and 16 percent want to avoid putting the added pressure on themselves. But 11 percent claim they already lead a clean life, so don’t feel the need to make any changes.
It also emerged older adults are turning their backs on the new year tradition, as 23 percent feel “too old” to set goals for the year ahead – with just a fifth of Baby Boomers planning to make one, compared to 76 percent of Gen Z.
A spokesman for Best Western, which commissioned the research, said: “New Year’s resolutions aren’t always for everyone.
“While some people find having a goal gives them direction for the months and year ahead, others can feel under pressure – and then face a sense of failure when they don’t succeed.
“Life is tough, and we’re living busier lives than ever before, so it’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself.
“Sometimes, treating yourself and living your life how you want, even with a few vices, can make you happier and healthier overall.”
The study also found that while losing weight is still the most popular New Year’s resolution to make, it is closely followed by simply looking after your wellness and wellbeing.
Being better with money, drinking more water, and trying to stress less are also common, while others want to travel more, spend more time in nature, and make more friends.
Wanting to better yourself (63 percent) is the top reason for making a New Year’s resolution – while 28 percent fancy a challenge. And 15 percent are doing so because they have been told by others it’s something they should change about themselves.
Losing weight is considered the hardest resolution to stick to, followed by going running, trying not to stress, eating less meat, and joining a gym.
And far from having a long-term impact, just 46 percent said a New Year’s resolution had led to them making a permanent positive change in their lives.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found 34 percent believe people put too much pressure on themselves with New Year’s resolutions – although a third are keen to make positive life changes in 2024.
The spokesman for Best Western, which is offering free breakfasts in the New Year to help people start 2024 with a reward, added: “The start of a new year feels like a great time to make a new goal.
“But in reality, it can have the opposite effect – by making you feel down when you don’t manage to achieve it. It’s great to look ahead to the new year, but in a way that makes you feel good about yourself, as well.”
