The prevailing narrative around New Year’s resolutions often focuses on the shame of failure, neglecting the valid reasons for abandoning these self-imposed promises. This societal pressure is epitomized by the fitness fanatic who declares that everyone, without exception, has time for rigorous exercise. This essay challenges that narrow perspective, offering a compassionate exploration of the moral, practical, and traditional justifications for breaking New Year’s resolutions.
Firstly, the moral argument questions the inherent selfishness often embedded within these resolutions. The most common pledges revolve around self-improvement: eating better, exercising more, reading more, smoking less, or acquiring a new hobby. These are fundamentally focused on individual well-being, often at the expense of other commitments and responsibilities. The sole exception, ”spending more time with family,” is conditional on the individual’s existing relationship with their family. This suggests that those making resolutions are primarily concerned with themselves, prioritizing personal betterment over the needs of others. The argument posits that the purported ”trickle-down effect,” where personal improvement supposedly benefits others, is a fallacy. Observing someone else’s fitness journey doesn’t necessarily inspire positive change; in fact, it can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or guilt. Therefore, while self-improvement is a worthy pursuit, it shouldn’t be disguised as altruism.
Secondly, practical constraints frequently derail even the most well-intentioned resolutions. Time and energy are finite resources, and resolutions often fall victim to competing demands. Before judging someone for abandoning their pledges, it’s crucial to understand the context. Perhaps the individual who failed to repaint the kitchen was instead managing payroll for hundreds of employees, or the person who skipped CrossFit was caring for a sick child. Life’s complexities often necessitate prioritizing immediate needs over aspirational goals. Judging individuals without understanding these competing demands is not only unfair but also fails to acknowledge the sacrifices often made in service of others or unforeseen circumstances.
Thirdly, tradition offers a surprisingly compelling reason to abandon resolutions. The post-holiday period, often referred to as ”oxveckorna” in Sweden, is characterized by a distinct lack of festivities or celebrations. This fallow period, devoid of social obligations and merriment, lends itself perfectly to the quiet abandonment of New Year’s resolutions. This culturally embedded practice of letting go of resolutions should be recognized and even celebrated. Instead of viewing it as a failure, it can be seen as a natural ebb and flow, a time to reflect and recalibrate before the next cycle of goal-setting begins.
Expanding on this notion of a culturally sanctioned period of resolution abandonment, one could imagine a designated ”Resolution Breakers’ Day.” This day could be marked by indulging in forbidden pleasures, such as enjoying an abundance of candy, while playfully challenging the prevailing fitness-obsessed culture. Perhaps a humorous protest outside a local gym, holding a sign that reads, ”Shouldn’t you be taking care of your elderly mother instead?” could be a fitting way to commemorate the occasion. This lighthearted approach underscores the absurdity of rigidly adhering to arbitrary self-improvement goals at the expense of other, potentially more meaningful, pursuits.
Furthermore, the emphasis on individual self-improvement often overlooks the systemic factors that contribute to unhealthy habits. Societal pressures, economic inequalities, and lack of access to resources all play a role in shaping individual choices. Blaming individuals for failing to meet self-improvement goals ignores the complex interplay of factors that influence behavior. A more compassionate approach would focus on addressing these systemic issues, creating an environment that supports well-being for everyone, rather than simply chastising those who struggle to meet unrealistic expectations.
Finally, the very concept of New Year’s resolutions can be seen as a reflection of a culture obsessed with self-optimization. This constant striving for improvement can be exhausting and ultimately counterproductive. Perhaps instead of setting rigid goals, we should focus on cultivating self-compassion and acceptance. Embracing our imperfections and focusing on the present moment can be a more fulfilling and sustainable path to well-being than chasing unattainable ideals. This shift in perspective allows for flexibility and adaptability, recognizing that life is a journey, not a destination, and that sometimes, breaking a resolution is the wisest and most compassionate choice.
