Arthur C. Brooks, author: “We fail at New Year’s resolutions because they don’t align with our goal of greater happiness”

New Year’s Eve is almost here, and for many Americans it marks a natural moment of reflection. People look back on the 365 days of 2025, take stock of what worked and what did not, and start thinking about goals for the year ahead.

Those resolutions usually fall into familiar categories, both professional and personal. They often involve changing habits, going to the gym more consistently, starting a new nutrition plan, or finally addressing the anxiety that tends to build up at this time of year.

Why resolutions so often fall apart

Unfortunately, many of these well-intentioned goals never make it past the first few weeks of January. By the time real life resumes after the holidays, motivation fades, routines slip, and resolutions quietly disappear.

This pattern has been analyzed by many experts, including Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and one of the most influential voices on happiness and well-being in the U.S.

In an article published in The Atlantic, Brooks explains that the failure of New Year’s resolutions has very little to do with laziness, lack of time, or insufficient interest.

The happiness mismatch

According to Brooks, there is a deeper reason most resolutions do not stick.

“The reason they fail so often is because the resolutions people choose do not align with their true goal of greater happiness,” Brooks writes.

In other words, people chase goals they think they should want, rather than ones that genuinely contribute to their long-term well-being.

Making goals too hard from the start

That view aligns closely with the research of John Norcross, a psychology professor at the University of Scranton, who has spent decades studying behavior change. Norcross points out that many people choose goals that are overly ambitious and unrealistic from day one.

Instead of designing goals that fit into daily life, people often aim too high, too fast, which makes failure far more likely.

How to stick to New Year’s resolutions

Both experts agree that the most effective approach is to focus on daily habits that support broader goals, while actively removing temptations and avoiding shortcuts.

Just as important is maintaining a positive mindset and celebrating progress, even when it feels modest.

“We need to reduce, implement and celebrate,” Brooks explains. In plain language, that means breaking new behaviors down into something small and manageable.

For example, if someone is out of shape, committing to two pushups a day is far more effective than aiming for 100. The small win builds consistency, confidence, and momentum, which are far more powerful than lofty resolutions that collapse under their own weight.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.