Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, millions of people around the world sit down with a cup of optimism, ready to craft their New Year’s resolutions. It’s a tradition that feels as inevitable as the fireworks that light up the sky. From promises of “getting fit” to “starting that business” or “traveling more,” resolutions offer us a fresh start. But do we really need them every year? Do they work, or are they just another way to set ourselves up for failure? Let’s dive into this.
It’s no secret that New Year’s resolutions have a reputation for being forgotten faster than it takes to say “Happy New Year!” In fact, studies suggest that by the end of January, nearly one-third of people will have already abandoned their resolutions. And yet, we keep making them, year after year, driven by the belief that the start of a new year somehow grants us the power to become better versions of ourselves.
So, what’s the real deal with resolutions? Are they a helpful motivational tool, or just an overhyped social norm?
At their best, resolutions provide a sense of direction. They help us set specific goals and remind us of what’s important. In a country like Rwanda, where economic growth and personal development are top priorities, resolutions can serve as personal roadmaps. Whether it’s starting a new business, improving one’s health, or being more involved in community projects, the new year is an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go.
Take, for instance, Chris Niyomugisha, a young Rwandan entrepreneur who began his IT business in 2020. “I’ve always had ideas, but I wasn’t sure where to start,” he shares. “I made a resolution that year to create a website, and here I am now, running a growing tech company.” Chris’s resolution helped him focus his energy and set a clear goal, which ultimately led to success.
In Rwanda, many young people are taking advantage of the new year to set ambitious business goals, and in some cases, this can make all the difference. The promise of a fresh start is sometimes just the nudge someone needs to take that first step into entrepreneurship.
But… Do they really stick? The problem is, resolutions can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker, boiling over with unrealistic expectations. We promise ourselves big changes but don’t always have a clear plan for how to achieve them. Young entrepreneur Uwase learned this the hard way. “Last year, I made a resolution to expand my fashion business, but I didn’t have enough resources or support to make it happen,” she admits. “I ended up feeling disappointed.”
Uwase’s story is far from unique. Many people fall short because their resolutions are too vague or unattainable. “Lose weight” is a popular one, but how many of us really follow through? The key is setting realistic, measurable goals that are attainable in the short term—goals that can help you build momentum throughout the year.
So, do we really need resolutions? The answer depends on how we approach them. Rather than thinking of New Year’s resolutions as a magic formula for instant success, we could shift our focus to intentions or small, consistent goals. For instance, instead of resolving to “get fit” in the next 365 days, a better approach might be committing to exercise for 15 minutes every day or joining a local gym, like the one in your neighborhood.
This approach is more sustainable.
