New Year’s resolutions usually fall by the wayside, but there is a better approach to making real changes

New Year’s resolutions typically fade so quickly that there is a ‘Quitter’s Day’ named after them, for the second Friday in January. But small actions and shifts in mindset can have much longer-lasting beneficial effects.

By: Michele Patterson Ford, Dickinson College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 15, 2026

Words: 1,112

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Michele Patterson Ford, Dickinson College

How are your New Year’s resolutions going? If you’ve given up on them, you’re not alone.

Every January, people across the world seek a fresh start and set goals for the year to improve their health and quality of life. Dry January and new gym memberships accompany a desire to shake off the stress and holiday pounds.

But research shows that resolutions typically …

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