New Year’s Resolutions Always Disappoint, So Let’s Try Something Else

Every year people promise to improve themselves with their New Year’s resolutions, but we always fall short, so why not just give up on them entirely?

Published Dec. 31 2011 7:08PM EST

articles/2011/12/31/new-year-s-resolutions-always-disappoint-so-let-s-try-something-else/new-years-resolutions-westacott_v3n9rr — Jamie Grill Photography-Getty Images

Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? What does this custom tell us about ourselves and our society?

The most common kind of resolution aims at personal self-improvement: lose weight; exercise more; get out of debt; quit smoking; learn Spanish; spend less time on Facebook.

Emrys Westacott

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New Year’s Resolutions Always Disappoint, So Let’s Try Something Else

Every year people promise to improve themselves with their New Year’s resolutions, but we always fall short, so why not just give up on them entirely?

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Emrys Westacott