New Year’s Resolutions: Origins and Why We Make Them

Let our experts help if you need a story as one year closes and another one kicks off

Dec 26, 2024

2 min



As the calendar turns, millions around the world embrace the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions, a practice rooted in self-reflection and renewal. While often seen as a personal commitment to change, this custom also reflects cultural, historical, and psychological aspects of human behavior.


Exploring the origins and modern significance of New Year’s resolutions offers a rich opportunity to examine why this tradition endures and what it says about our shared aspirations for the future. Key story angles include:


  • Historical Roots of New Year’s Resolutions: Tracing the tradition back to ancient Babylonian and Roman practices and their influence on today’s customs.
  • Psychology Behind Resolutions: Exploring why people set goals at the start of the year and the factors that influence success or failure in achieving them.
  • Most Popular Resolutions and Their Societal Impact: Analyzing trends in health, finances, and personal growth goals and what they reveal about changing priorities.
  • Global Variations in New Year’s Traditions: Highlighting how different cultures mark the New Year and set intentions for the months ahead.
  • The Science of Habit Formation: Investigating how neuroscience and behavioral science can help people turn resolutions into lasting habits.
  • Skepticism and Alternatives: Examining criticisms of resolutions, including their commercialized aspects, and exploring alternative approaches to self-improvement.


The enduring tradition of New Year’s resolutions provides a window into humanity’s shared desire for growth and renewal, offering journalists a timely and engaging topic to explore from multiple perspectives.


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