National Resolution Planning Day is coming up on December 30th, a perfect opportunity to get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions. This unofficial holiday encourages us to take some time to reflect on the past year, identify areas we want to improve in, and set realistic goals for the coming year.
- Related: National Bacon Day
History of National Resolution Planning Day
Embark on your resolutions journey well in advance rather than procrastinating until the brink of January 1; by then, the window for decisive action may have already dwindled. Finalize your intentions on December 30, and you’ll be primed for the New Year’s advent.
Over 4,000 years ago, the Babylonians initiated the age-old tradition of formulating resolutions during the Akitu festival. Spanning a 12-day revelry, this festivity marked the rejuvenation of nature.
During this time, a new monarch would ascend, seeds would be sown, and solemn commitments made to celestial entities. The prevailing belief was that by upholding these vows, deities would be appeased rather than provoked.
In 153 B.C., the Roman Senate sanctified January 1 as the inaugural day of the annum in homage to Janus, a dual-faced deity capable of retrospection and foresight, epitomizing the transition from one cycle to the next.
However, it was not until 46 B.C. that Julius Caesar enshrined January 1 as the definitive commencement of the year. Analogous to the Babylonian tradition, Romans would devoutly pledge their future conduct to Janus.
In the epoch of the Middle Ages, the ‘Peacock Vow’ emerged as an annual ritual. Knights, custodians of chivalric ideals, would reaffirm their allegiance by placing their palms upon a roasted peacock, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to valor and nobility.
The inaugural mention of the term ‘New Year resolution’ graced the pages of a Bostonian periodical in 1813, subsequently catapulting the modern iteration of resolutions into societal consciousness.
5 Ways You Can Make the Most of National Resolution Planning Day
- Reflection: Take some time to reflect on your year. What went well? What did you struggle with? What are you grateful for? Understanding your past achievements and challenges can help you set realistic and achievable goals for the future.
- Goal Setting: Once you’ve done some reflection, it’s time to start setting goals. Be SMART! Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Create a Plan: Don’t just set goals, create a plan to achieve them. Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Figure out what resources you need and identify potential obstacles.
- Get Inspired: Find stories of people who have achieved similar goals to yours. This can help you stay motivated and believe in your own ability to succeed.
- Share your Goals: Tell your friends and family about your resolutions. Having people there to support you can increase your chances of success.
National Resolution Planning Day Activities
1. Reflection Party:
Gather your friends and family for a reflection party. Have everyone bring a journal or notebook and spend some time writing down their thoughts and feelings about the past year. You can share your reflections with each other, or simply use them as a personal starting point for goal setting.
2. Vision Board Workshop:
Create vision boards that visually represent your goals for the new year. This is a great way to get creative and excited about your aspirations. You can use magazines, photos, quotes, and drawings to create your vision boards.
3. Goal Setting Game:
Turn goal setting into a fun game! There are many online and printable goal setting games available that can help you come up with creative and achievable goals. You can also create your own game by writing down different goal categories (e.g., health, career, relationships) and having everyone draw one to come up with a specific goal in that category.
4. Future Self Letter:
Write a letter to your future self, reflecting on your goals for the new year. What do you hope to achieve by the end of the year? What challenges do you anticipate facing? This can be a great way to stay motivated and on track throughout the year.
5. Time Capsule Creation:
Create a time capsule filled with mementos and memories from the past year. This can be a fun way to reflect on your growth and change, and it’s something you can look forward to opening at the end of the year.
Top 5 Reasons Why People Fail at Keeping Resolutions
1. Unrealistic Goals: Resolutions that are too ambitious or vague often set people up for disappointment. Aiming for “lose weight” is less effective than “walk for 30 minutes 3 times a week.” Set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
2. Lack of Planning: Just wishing for change isn’t enough. Create a concrete plan with actionable steps, resources, and timelines. Identify potential obstacles and have contingencies in place.
3. Underestimating Challenges: Change takes time and effort. People can underestimate the difficulty of breaking old habits or forming new ones. Expect setbacks and adjust your plan as needed.
4. No Accountability: Sharing your goals with friends, family, or a support group can provide encouragement and keep you on track. Consider finding a buddy with similar goals for mutual motivation.
5. Lack of Intrinsic Motivation: Resolutions based on external pressure or obligation are less likely to stick. Ensure your goals align with your values and passions to fuel your internal drive and long-term commitment.
10 National Resolution Planning Day Quotes, Wishes, and Messages
1. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. “New Year’s resolutions are nothing more than promises you make to yourself on the day you party the hardest.” – Jon Stewart
3. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
4. “Don’t just set goals, create a plan to achieve them.”
5. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
6. “May your New Year’s resolutions be SMART and your dreams take flight.”
7. “Start by doing the smallest things. We can all agree that peeing your pants is easier than climbing Mount Everest, but nobody ever went down in history from peeing their pants, either.” – John Green
8. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” – Steve Jobs
9. “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” – Jimmy Johnson
10. “Let this be the year you finally get what you deserve.” – Rachel Hauck
Why We Love National Resolution Planning Day
1. A Time for Reflection:
The year is almost over, and National Resolution Planning Day prompts us to take a step back and reflect on the past year. It’s a time to celebrate our achievements, learn from our mistakes, and identify areas for improvement. This introspection lays the foundation for setting meaningful goals for the year ahead.
2. Goal Setting with Clarity:
Unlike the rushed resolutions often made on New Year’s Eve, National Resolution Planning Day provides a dedicated space for thoughtful goal setting. With the year-end frenzy at bay, we can prioritize goals that align with our values and aspirations, ensuring they’re not just fleeting wishes.
3. Increased Chances of Success:
By planning our resolutions in advance, we can develop actionable steps and strategies to achieve them. This proactive approach makes us more likely to stick to our commitments and avoid the pitfalls of vague, last-minute resolutions.
4. A Boost of Motivation:
National Resolution Planning Day injects a dose of excitement and optimism into the pre-New Year period. It’s a reminder that we have the power to shape our future and create a year filled with personal growth and accomplishment.
5. A Chance to Inspire Others:
Sharing our goals and plans with friends and family can motivate and inspire them to do the same. This collective enthusiasm can create a supportive network that keeps us accountable and celebrates each other’s successes.
6. A Celebration of Self-improvement:
National Resolution Planning Day is ultimately about taking charge of our lives and prioritizing personal growth. It’s a day to embrace the potential of the new year and commit to becoming the best versions of ourselves.
National Resolution Planning Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2023 | December 30 | Saturday |
| 2024 | December 30 | Monday |
| 2025 | December 30 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | December 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 30 | Thursday |
Conclusion
As the year draws to a close, New Year’s resolutions loom large on the horizon. But before the champagne corks pop and confetti flies, there’s another day worth marking on your calendar: National Resolution Planning Day, celebrated on December 30th.