In theory, New Year resolutions are a fabulous idea. In practice, however, this annual ritual has become a bit of a joke, to the point that people make bets about how long their friends’ and loved ones’ resolutions are going to last. For some, it’s gotten so futile that they’ve stopped making resolutions altogether.

Among the top resolutions are weight loss, exercise, stopping smoking, learn a new skill or hobby, saving more money, pursuing a career and find a new job. “But why do so many resolutions fail?

While research points out: many resolutions are unrealistic and poorly executed. “And most involve inspiration but no preparation”. “Telling yourself, I will exercise for an hour every day, when in reality your responsibilities at work and home do not allow that time, you set yourself up for failure. When we then fail to sustain our resolutions, we become discouraged,”.

Every time the new year arrives, we get ready to make fresh starts. The word new conjures up visions of new beginnings and of starting afresh, doesn’t it? For some of us who may be starting a dream job or found a new relationship or have decided to move on from old bondages, the challenges maybe brave a somewhat different.

Yet, when we make all these exciting plans for the New Year, we somehow tend to feel that come January, we’ll transform overnight into someone new. As we all know and have perhaps experienced a few times, this new self emerges and stays until mid-January and then old habits set in and we are back to where we began-perhaps a bit dejected but often a lot wiser.

What New Year’s Resolutions are Britons Making in 2026?

Here we’ve put together a list of resolutions for you to try. What’s more, you can make these a part of your life, today.

1. Set a Fresh Start:

While starting afresh is a wonderful thing, good intentions alone may not do. We need a Fresh Start Goal and a Fresh Start Plan. Keep them simple: for example, this year I have decided that I want to be more prepared for Mondays because that is the day when I need to be most alert. A simple Fresh Start Plan is one that’s workable and can be simplified further. That way you are able to break up your targets and try and achieve each target one by one, making you feel more in control.

2. Think Through and Prioritize:

We often want to make multiple changes at one go. Try to prioritize the changes that you are aiming for into three groups. The first including goals that are must dos! Then keep those that are desirable but not essential. The third could have neither essential nor the most desirable objectives but changes that you have been wanting for a long time. You could group these goals in order of importance or difficulty, ensuring that the first group does not have the most difficult ones.

3. Spend less, save more:

Begin by cutting up some of your credit cards. Keep a card for emergencies-sudden hospital expenses, unexpected travel, and so on. But on an everyday basis, force yourself to ignore hard-sell from your favorite shopping portal. Don’t head to the shopping mall for recreation, you’ll end up buying stuff you don’t need. Every financial planner will tell you that spending less is the first step to saving more and building a healthier bank balance. Aim to save at least 10% of what you earn after taxes-15% if you’re over 35 and haven’t started yet. Move the amount you plan to save into your savings accounts early into the month, you cannot spend what you don’t have.

Read: What Warren Buffett an American businessman says Poor People Waste Money on These 6 Things.

4. Befriend your inner child:

Being a hands-on worker and parent is equally beneficial. Designate a time of day when you switch off your smart phones, your touch-screens, unplug your gaming consoles. Why not spend some time every day, or every week, creating comical characters and spinning super inventive stories for your children? It keeps those brain cells buzzing, and as a bonus you get booster-shots of the best possible kind-hugs and kisses from your delighted children! More important, a growing body of research finds that media overload and overexposure can increase your risk for depression, social anxiety, job burnout, and many more.

Also Read: 10 Things That May Be Sabotaging Your Success

5. Conquer clutter, open up your mind:

Unconnecting yourself from a constantly ‘connected’ world is a start. Build on it by uncluttering your home as well. Yes, research finds that picking up scattered toys or making the beds every day, can be helpful and therapeutic. “Living in the midst of clutter saps your energy,” “Clean up your mess, and it will open up your life for more positive energy”.

6. Randomly, act Kind:

Few things are as easy or provide as much instant gratification as donating time or money to people in need. Donate, or better still, try and volunteer at your local government-or NGO-run home for the elderly. These random acts of kindness will make you feel unbelievably good about yourself. And it will also boost your physical well-being, says a study from Duke University and the National University of Singapore. Researchers looked at survey data collected from more than 3,200 middle-aged Americans who were asked questions related to the frequency of their volunteer work and their mental and physical health. Those who volunteered also experienced a lasting boost in ‘eudemonic’ well-being, or feelings that your life has purpose.

7. Make a Vision Board:

Be brave and adventurous but make sure you have a vision board for slip-ups and for alternate road maps. Always remember that you will need support and assistance to stay on track. Be creative and use an actual board where you write your cues or use pictures to keep yourself on track.

So, if your plan is not to spend more than a certain amount in a week, have a cue for looking at your expenses or have a small envelope on your vision board where you keep all your paid bills. Keep phone numbers of friends you can go for a walk with if you have missed your morning exercise or pin your mum’s phone number up on the board to act as a reminder that you need to call her. Being accountable to another person also helps with managing slip ups.

Enlist a friend for mutual support and motivation. Once you have a plan, work backwards and anticipate the challenges you may face. Take stock of your personality traits that could be an obstacle to seeing this plan to completion. One major hurdle is our idiosyncratic signature time and energy wasting activities. Identify them, and on your vision board make a plan to deal with them.

8. Create your own Happy New Year:

Setting yourself a smart, achievable goal is a beautiful, involving and an evolving process. It’s a centering and scientific art and skill. You don’t have to wait for a date for transformation. If you are committed and understand what a bad habit is doing to your life, then that moment is the beginning of the fresh year. The human mind is forever conspiring to find strategies and tricks to avoid confronting an issue or habit. We don’t have to wait for the New Year to change your self for good. Whenever you are ready…you can celebrate fresh beginnings. So, make it your Happy New Year.

Finally, take a detour from your usual ways to achieve this goal in creative ways. Other than the plans of dieting, exercising more or working harder, have at least one change goal this year that is exciting, fun or playful. You’ll find you will look forward to the year even more!

Fuel your motivation with a collection of 20+ Best Inspirational Quotes. Discover wisdom, positivity, and guidance to inspire your journey towards success and personal growth.

Transform your mindset with a dose of motivation! Embrace the wisdom, perseverance, and inspiration embedded in these quotes as you strive for greatness in every aspect of your life.

“Embrace the journey, for success lies not just in the destination but in the lessons learned along the way.”

“In the face of challenges, find your inner strength; adversity is the forge that shapes the resilient spirit.”

“Dream big, work hard, stay focused; the path to success is paved with dedication and unwavering determination.”

“Your attitude determines your altitude; a positive mindset elevates you above obstacles and propels you towards greatness.”

“Success is not the absence of failure, but the courage to persist despite setbacks; resilience is the key to triumph.”

“Be the change you wish to see; small actions can create a ripple effect, transforming the world one positive deed at a time.”

“Opportunities often disguise themselves as challenges; seize them with a positive mindset and turn adversity into advantage.”

“Success is a journey, not a destination; savor each step, celebrate progress, and cherish the lessons along the way.”

“Believe in your potential; the only limits that exist are the ones you place upon yourself.”

“Every day is a new chance to rewrite your story; embrace the power of now and create the life you envision.”

“Strive for progress, not perfection; the journey towards excellence is marked by continuous improvement, not flawless execution.”

“Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it; face your fears, and discover the strength that lies within.”

“The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment; dare to dream big and work tirelessly towards your goals.”

“Happiness is a choice, not a result; choose to be happy in every circumstance, and you’ll find strength in your own joy.”

“Success is born from consistency, not convenience; commit to your goals daily, and watch as perseverance transforms dreams into reality.”

“Your past does not define your future; every day is a chance to reinvent yourself and create a brighter tomorrow.”

“Adopt the mindset of a student for life; the quest for knowledge is an unending journey that leads to continuous growth and wisdom.”

“Kindness is a language that transcends barriers; sow seeds of compassion, and you’ll harvest a world filled with understanding and harmony.”

“The strongest trees weather the toughest storms; embrace challenges as opportunities to fortify your roots and stand tall in the face of adversity.”

“Success is not a solo journey; surround yourself with positive influences, for a supportive community propels you towards greatness.”

“Embrace uncertainty as the canvas of possibilities; in the unknown, creativity thrives, and innovation paints the future.”

“Patience is the quiet guardian of dreams; trust the process, stay committed, and watch as time transforms aspirations into reality.”

“Gratitude is the key that unlocks abundance; appreciate the present, and you’ll discover richness in the simple moments of life.”

Hi there! Let’s talk about something we all care about but sometimes forget to prioritize – our mental health. Life can get busy, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but even small changes can make a big difference in how we feel. I’ve put together some easy and friendly tips to help you take better care of your mental well-being. Let’s dive in!

1. Meditate: Take Time to Breathe:
Have you ever tried sitting quietly and just focusing on your breathing? Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated! Start with 5 or 10 minutes a day, and work your way up to 30 minutes if you can. It’s a great way to calm your mind, relax your body, and feel more present. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and let go of your worries – even for a little while.

2. Declutter: Clear Space, Clear Mind:
Take a look around. Is your desk or room a bit messy? Clutter can make us feel more anxious than we realize. Try tidying up one small area at a time – like your bedside table or your work desk. You’ll be surprised how much lighter and more focused you feel in a clean space!

3. Practice Gratitude: Count Your Blessings:
Let’s be honest – it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. But what about the things that are going right? Every day, take a moment to think of 3 things you’re grateful for. They can be as simple as having a warm cup of coffee or hearing your favorite song on the radio. Gratitude has a way of making life feel a little brighter.

4. Set Boundaries: Say “No” When You Need To:
Sometimes, we say “yes” to everything because we don’t want to disappoint others. But guess what? It’s okay to put yourself first! If you’re feeling drained, learn to say no without guilt. Setting boundaries is not selfish – it’s necessary for your well-being.

5. Socialize: Connect with Your People:
Spending time with friends can work wonders for your mood. Plan a coffee date, catch a movie, or go for a fun shopping trip. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and make you laugh – it’s like therapy but way more fun!

6. Unplug: Take a Break from Social Media:
Let’s be real – scrolling through social media can sometimes make us feel worse, not better. Comparing ourselves to others can take a toll. Why not try a “no social media day”? Use that time to read a book, go for a walk, or just relax without notifications buzzing.

7. Revisit a Hobby: Do What You Love:
Remember that hobby you used to enjoy but haven’t had time for lately? Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, doing something you love can bring so much joy. Plus, it’s a great way to feel productive and happy at the same time.

8. Self-Care: Treat Yourself:
Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths (though they’re great, too!). It’s about doing something that makes you feel good inside and out. Maybe it’s taking a long walk, cooking your favorite meal, or watching your comfort movie. Whatever it is, make time for it – you deserve it!

9. Spend Time in Nature: Feel the Calm:
There’s something magical about being outdoors. Whether it’s a park, the beach, or your backyard, spending time in nature helps you feel grounded. Take a moment to notice the trees, the birds, or even the clouds. It’s a simple way to feel connected to the world around you.

10. Start Your Day with Affirmations: Positive Vibes Only:
How you start your morning can set the tone for your whole day. Try saying something positive to yourself like, “I am strong,” “I can handle whatever comes my way,” or “Today is going to be a good day.” It might feel awkward at first, but trust me, it works!

Last Words:

These little habits might seem small, but they can make a big difference over time. Remember, taking care of your mental health is a journey, not a race. Let’s keep supporting each other along the way!

What’s one small thing you’re going to try this week? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear from you! ❤️