A Better Way to Think About New Year’s Resolutions
The best way to improve yourself is to help others too.
TL;DR
- Individual self-improvement trends are prevalent year-round, overshadowing traditional New Year's resolutions.
- Mentions of New Year's resolutions have declined significantly, indicating a shift towards constant personal striving.
- Historically, New Year's resolutions focused on community well-being and good conduct, unlike modern personal goals.
- Resolutions made with others can be more effective due to social influence and mutual support.
- Communal resolutions can help overcome psychological barriers like 'do-gooder derogation,' where individuals might feel annoyed by or undermine those perceived as more virtuous.
- Long-term habit change is better supported by social bonds and cooperation than by individual willpower alone.
- Shared resolutions can encourage a broader definition of self-improvement that includes the well-being of others and the environment.