The History of New Year’s Resolutions: From Babylonians to Now

Time to come to a resolution! 2026!

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient Babylon around 4,000 years ago. They would promise their gods to return borrowed objects and pay their debts at the start of each new year, which was celebrated during the planting season in March. This early form of resolution-making was closely tied to the themes of commitment and renewal, which are still echoed in today’s practices.

The Romans also embraced this tradition, particularly under the reign of Julius Caesar in 46 B.C., when January was named after Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions. Janus, often depicted with two faces, symbolized the ability to look back into the past and forward into the future. Romans would offer sacrifices to Janus and make resolutions for the upcoming year, often focusing on personal improvement and service to their fellow citizens.

Fast forward to the modern day, and many individuals take this opportunity to reflect on past behaviors while setting goals for improvement. The custom has proliferated across cultures, adapting to people’s social and personal aspirations. Typically occurring on January 1st, individuals often feel a heightened sense of optimism and motivation, believing a fresh calendar year provides an uncomplicated chance to start anew.

However, not all who set resolutions succeed. According to studies, only about 8% of people who make resolutions achieve their goals. Common reasons for this include unrealistic goals, lack of planning, and a decrease in motivation over time. Despite the challenges, the practice remains popular as it encourages individuals to contemplate personal growth.

When setting resolutions, individuals often choose areas in their life that could benefit from change or improvement, such as health, finances, or relationships. These resolutions serve as a structured way to outline intentions for the year ahead, ideally motivating individuals to stay focused and diligent throughout the year.

With 2026 in mind, there are several adaptable and engaging resolutions to consider. Firstly, committing to a healthier lifestyle could involve not just exercising regularly but also incorporating more whole foods into one’s diet. This resolution can be broken down into achievable steps, such as attending a cooking class or trying a new fruit or vegetable each week.

Moreover, practicing mindfulness and mental health could be another significant resolution. Taking up meditation or simply setting aside time for oneself can lead to improvements in overall mental well-being. Mindfulness apps or local classes can help establish this resolution effectively.

Financial goals are also highly recommended for the new year. This can range from saving a certain percentage of income each month to investing in a retirement plan or even starting a side hustle. Education on personal finance through books or online courses can provide the necessary tools to support these resolutions.

Furthermore, strengthening social connections is crucial for personal happiness. Setting a goal to reach out to friends or family regularly, perhaps through scheduled catch-ups, can enhance relationships and provide the nurturing support needed for emotional support.

Finally, embracing lifelong learning can be an exciting resolution. Whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or taking an online class in a subject of interest, challenging oneself to grow intellectually can yield satisfaction and achievement. Engaging in platforms such as Coursera or local community colleges can make this resolution easily attainable and enriching.

By crafting realistic and meaningful resolutions, individuals can foster a sense of purpose and direction throughout the year, turning the age-old tradition of New Year’s resolutions into a powerful tool for personal development and community engagement.

In my mind, to come to a resolution is to “resolve” something! What do YOU want to resolve this coming new year? Step over the threshold! No reservations …

Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry

**** Look forward to my new book coming out this year! YES, I worked through it all, and I won’t stop until it’s time to stop!

References

Lund, M. (2020). The History of New Year’s Resolutions: From Babylonians to Today. History.com.

Stone, S. (2019). Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail. Psychology Today.

Meyer, T. (2021). Making and Keeping Resolutions. American Psychological Association.