In the evenings running up to the end of the year, between two glasses of champagne, an acquaintance, or even a friend, will ask you, 'So, what are your resolutions?'
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Even though some try to pretend they don't have any, a survey published in 2018 done on French people reveals that 7 out of 10 people do have a few ideas in mind. On top of that, the resolutions they have are very predictable... There's actually a very good chance they feature in this article!
1. Become 'healthy' and eat only quinoa
You're probably thinking that, with apps like Yuka and a little willpower, you'll be able to swap pizzas and fatty burgers for a portion of quinoa with spinach and feta cheese. Easy, after the over indulgence of the festive season. But what are you going to do when it's someone invites you out for their birthday? Pass? Let's be serious. We'll give you three weeks.
2. Work out
On January 1, who hasn't signed up for a gym membership near their home, gone for four days or so, and then suddenly felt a bit lazy? We've all been there: that overconfidence and self-motivation. Don't worry, you'll do better next year. And you can always try practicing - a little - at home.
3. Stop drinking alcohol
No more rolling around on the carpet at 3 a.m. after a long night. Now it's time for green fruit juices and virgin cocktails. Besides, tomato juice is really good, isn't it? Now that's a good resolution! It remains to be seen whether, with spring just around the corner, you'll be able to keep it up over the long term.
4. Read books (and watch less Netflix)
This year, I'm reading! Who hasn't tried to put on their glasses on and read the complete works of Dostoyevsky, just to clear their conscience? Before you buy any more in the spring of this resolution, maybe you should finish the pile of books you bought this year and never opened...
5. Take up an inspiring hobby
What if I learned to paint? What if I took up Thai cooking? You're already imagining yourself at the stove, apron around your waist, revolutionizing cooking like a wanna-be Gordon Ramsay! But after all, wouldn't watching Top Chef be more comfortable, tucked up on the sofa with a blanket on your lap?
6. Be more optimistic and stress-free
Come on, that's enough. No more stressful jobs, no more toxic people. 2024 will be the year of personal fulfillment, meditation and relaxation. We wish you all the best, but we have to warn you: it's quite easy to get caught up in the daily grind.
7. Do good around you, and get involved in humanitarian work
You read the story of the little girl who swapped her Christmas presents for money for a shelter, and you felt inspired. What if you too were to embark on a humanitarian project? What if you went to the ends of the Earth to help your fellow man? One thing at a time: you could start by making an online donation to a charity that's right for you.
8. Go to bed early
Bed by 10pm max! All because you want to feel younger and fitter in the morning. Perhaps you should gradually start going to bed before midnight, so that you don't give up after a week. We're just saying.
9. Spend less, save big
In reality, between 5% and 12% follow through on their resolutions - no more compulsive spending onthose super-stylish new sneakers that would look so good with that jacket you got for Christmas. A resolution that usually goes out the window in January with... the winter sales.
10. Become the new Greta Thunberg and save the world
Once again, you've been inspired by this 16-year-old determined to change the world. Gone are the days of plastic packaging and toxic products. You'll embrace ecology as if your life depended on it (and, in fact, it kind of does.) Tip: learn to sort your garbage and take your cloth shopping bag with you when you go shopping. That's a good start!
In reality, only 5 to 12% follow through on their resolutions.
Joking aside: if we don't believe in your resolutions, it's not just because we're pessimistic. There are studies to prove it. The first, dating from 2007, was carried out by Professor Wiseman at the University of Hertfordshire in the USA. Based on 3,000 volunteers, it concludes that only 12% of those who wished to improve in the New Year actually did so. Not very many.
More than 10 years later, French channel LCI explains, citing a study by the online pharmacy Newpharma, that 5% say they always keep their resolutions, 63% say they 'sometimes' keep them, and only 9% say they never keep them. Lucid!
This article has been translated from Gentside France
Read more:
⋙ Why New Year's resolutions may actually be bad for your health
⋙ What awaits the Royal Family in 2024? A psychic answers
Sources:
LCI: Comme 7 Français sur 10, allez-vous prendre de bonnes résolutions pour 2019 ?
Wall Street Journal: Blame It on the Brain
