Most people around the world make New Year’s resolutions, but do they ever hit their goals?

According to statista, the most popular New Year’s resolution is to get in better shape. Whether that is losing weight, dieting or hitting the gym, the goal is to become a healthier version of yourself.

U.S. News states that 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by the second week of January. Some people are more consistent, but they end up giving up on their goals before they reach them. 

This leads to the question: Why do people give up on their New Year’s Resolutions? The main reason is simple: stress.

For example, someone who started working out might not see results right away or struggle with mental aspects like finding the motivation to drive themself to get to the gym. Dealing with that anxiety, frustration and fatigue might be new to them. If someone is feeling overwhelmed and bad about their goals, what’s stopping them from going back to being out-of-shape and happy?

Motivation alone can’t be a deciding factor in sticking with one’s resolutions. The people who reach their goals are people ready for the change, monitoring everything they do and being prepared. Some days people will not be motivated to go and reach their goals, so they have to have the discipline to get themselves to do what they don’t want to. 

If you have a New Year’s resolution, or know someone with one, try to remember that you don’t need a “new year” to start and improve yourself. The change can happen during any time of the year.

As long as you start with a small, realistic goal, and stay consistent with reaching it, you can achieve whatever goal you set.