National Resolution Planning Day, observed annually on December 30, is a day dedicated to making plans for the upcoming New Year. As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about our goals, aspirations, and resolutions for the year ahead. This day invites everyone to reflect upon themselves and cultivate steps that will lead to personal growth and success.
It encourages individuals to create a concrete and achievable plan to implement their New Year’s resolutions, ensuring that they carry them out in a systematic and dedicated manner. So take time on this day to sit, plan and pen down your resolutions for the forthcoming year.
History of National Resolution Planning Day
Historically, New Year’s resolutions can be traced back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylonians. During a 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, Babylonians would make promises to their gods that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts, which might be considered the forerunners of today’s New Year’s resolutions.
The Romans also had a similar tradition. Janus, the Roman God of beginnings and transitions, after whom January is named, was always depicted with two faces – one looking forward and one looking backward. At the beginning of each year, Romans made promises of good conduct for the coming year.
The concept of New Year’s resolutions became more enriched in the Medieval era. Knights would take the “peacock vow” at the end of the Christmas season to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry.
In modern times, the tradition of New Year’s resolutions is largely secular and people commonly promise to make a positive change in their lives such as to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more or save money.
National Resolution Planning Day Timeline
Babylonian Origins
The ancient Babylonians were one of the first cultures to make New Year’s resolutions around 4,000 years ago.
Julian Calendar
Julius Caesar introduced a new calendar, making January 1st the start of the New Year.
Knights' Peacock Vows
During the medieval era, knights took the 'peacock vow' at the end of the year to reaffirm their commitment to chivalry.
Secular Tradition
The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions continued into the 20th century, becoming less about moral improvements and more about self-improvement and personal goals.
National Resolution Planning Day
The day is created to give everyone a chance to focus on setting achievable goals for the New Year
Ideas to Celebrate National Resolution Planning Day
Write It Down Workshop
Collect your thoughts and invite your friends over for a group session where everybody writes down their resolutions for the year. Having a written declaration gives your goals form and substance, and sharing them with friends serves as a built-in support network.
Self-Improvement Seminars
Invite speakers from various fields who can provide tips and advice on achieving common resolutions such as losing weight, eating healthier, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and saving money. This will give participants a roadmap towards achieving their goals.
Art of Vision Boards
Invite friends for a fun craft day dedicated to creating vision boards. Provide magazines, stickers, markers, and boards that participants can use to visualize their resolutions.
Mindfulness and Goal Focus Meditation
Host a guided meditation session where participants can focus on their goals and mentally prepare themselves to achieve their resolutions. This can help participants remain calm and focused on their journey ahead.
8 Interesting Facts About Resolution Planning
Historical Background of New Year Resolutions
The practice of making resolutions for the new year dates back almost 4,000 years to the Babylonians who started the tradition of resolving to return borrowed objects and repay debts in the new year.
High Failure Rate
According to U.S. News and World Report, approximately 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by the second week of February. Sticking to resolutions does not come easy.
Most Common Resolutions
The most common New Year's resolutions often involve health and wellness goals, such as losing weight, eating healthier, and exercising more. Other popular resolutions are related to financial health, learning a new skill, or quitting a bad habit.
Scientific Backing
Neuroscientists have discovered that self-improvement intentions like New Year resolutions can significantly change the neural pathways in the brain, which shapes our behavior and habits.
Making it S.M.A.R.T
According to psychologists, a resolution is more likely to be accomplished when it adheres to the S.M.A.R.T criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound). Achievable goals make individuals stay motivated in the long term.
Writing Resolutions Down
Studies have shown that writing down your resolutions can substantially increase the likelihood of achieving them. It acts as a form of external memory and keeps the resolution at the forefront of one's mind.
Effects of Accountability
Telling a trustworthy friend or family member about one's New Year's resolution can often enhance the success rate, as it creates an external expectation of accomplishment and accountability.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is critical for success in achieving New Year's resolutions. When a resolution becomes a daily habit, it is easier to accomplish.
National Resolution Planning Day FAQs
Next National Resolution Planning Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 30th | Saturday |
| 2024 | December 30th | Monday |
| 2025 | December 30th | Tuesday |
| 2026 | December 30th | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 30th | Thursday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 30th | |
National Resolution Planning Day Word Search
- Resolution
- Planning
- Goals
- Strategy
- Objective
- Ambition