Combined Minds 

New Year’s Resolutions … do they work?

Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri

Ambar: It’s the most joyful and dreadful time of the year. The final month when everybody’s minds are on gifts and holiday parties, and when those of us who are proactive start to think about our New Year’s resolutions. It’s always the same: “This year I’m gonna get fit.” “This year I’m gonna stop drinking.” Or “This year I’m gonna quit smoking.” And every year, we fail those resolutions. 

Carmen: Every year I say I’m going to become a better person, yet here I am… The same — if not worse. I also attempted to do “Dry January” which lasted me a whole three days. 

Ambar: I would be a liar if I said I didn’t believe in coincidences. It feels as if something greater at work is inhibiting us from accomplishing the resolutions we set at the beginning of the year. Are we jinxing ourselves or are we just our own greatest enemy? The answer to both is probably “yes.” 

Carmen: Or are we lazy and uncommitted? The answer to both is also probably “yes.” That doesn’t mean sticking to a resolution is impossible, obviously, there are millions of people who do, in fact, quit smoking and drinking and pick up a new hobby — we are just not one of them. 

Ambar: And I wondered (if you know, you know) when did this archaic, makes me feel like I’m not good enough, tradition begin? 

Carmen: I’m so glad you wondered. The first “New Year’s resolution” recorded was about 4,000 years ago written by the ancient Babylonians. (though, back then they were called pledges). They were also the first civilization to hold recorded celebrations honoring the New Year. 

Ambar: I’m at the edge of my seat.

Carmen: The Babylonians really knew how to party — and by “party,” I mean a 12-day festival called Akitu. It was a mix of farming, fealty and fiscal responsibility. They planted crops, pledged allegiance to the king (because, priorities), promised to repay debts and returned borrowed items — probably so they could ask to borrow them again the next year. It was like spring cleaning meets a royal loyalty program.

Ambar: So you’re telling me that we turned what was essentially a pledge intertwined with socioeconomic values and power into unrealistic goals? Honestly, it’s all starting to make sense. No wonder we aren’t accomplishing our resolutions. We are setting goals that are, dare I say, a bit too ambitious.

Carmen: Personally, I don’t think exercising and cutting back on alcohol is an unrealistic goal, but again, I have also never stuck with it … so what does that say about me?

Ambar: Not at all. It’s definitely doable, but maybe we are prematurely failing ourselves by trying to commit to yearlong goals when maybe we could, I don’t know, set smaller monthly goals and go from there. 

Carmen: You know what? Hell yeah! I think the idea of having to stick with something for an entire year makes it this huge looming presence. What if we make resolutions like, “This year I will adopt a cat.” Easy! And requires absolutely no personality changes. 

Ambar: Exactly. According to licensed professionals, the reason we tend to fall short in our resolutions is that “We’re thinking too big.” “We aren’t asking why.” And “We aren’t ready for change.” Sometimes it’s best not to force things.

Carmen: OK, we are getting very philosophical over here. What are your resolutions, Ambar? 

Ambar: I’m gonna keep things simple this new year and pledge to read 100 books. Will I? Probably not but that’s OK. I’m going into this new year with no expectations. 

Carmen: Nice! I’m gonna start smoking crack

Ambar: Sure about that? 

Carmen: Yup. (No. I pledge to travel more. Will I? Probably not, I only have a limited amount of PTO but that’s OK.) 

Ambar: Maybe that’s the secret. You won’t fail if you don’t set any goals, right? 

Carmen: Well said. #nogoals2025