NATIONWIDE -- Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to make a positive change for the new year.
- Babylonians were first people to make New Year’s resolutions
- 46 percent of people who make resolutions are successful
The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, approximately 4,000 years ago, which were done in March to coincide with planting season. The Babylonians also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed, which could have been the precursors of our New Year’s resolutions.
New Year’s resolutions in the current era are more of a secular practice. Instead of making promises to the gods, many people make resolutions to themselves. Some of the most common themes each year include a more active approach to health and fitness, better finances, and learning new skills for professional development.
Here are the top 10 most common resolutions:
1. Exercise more
2. Quit smoking
3. Be better organized
4. Learn a new skill
5. Travel more
6. Save money
7. Volunteer
8. Spend more time with family and friends
9. Drink less alcohol
10. Read more
However, many people have trouble following through with their resolutions. In fact, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 46 percent of people who made New Year’s resolutions were successful.
Here are 10 of the most commonly broken New Year’s Resolutions:
1. Lose weight
2. Quit smoking
3. Learn something new
4. Eat healthier
5. Save money
6. Spend more time with family and friends
7. Watch less TV and spend less time online
8. Travel
9. Be less stressed
10. Get more sleep
If weight loss is on your list, here are a few common diets and popular gyms that might help you to beat the odds:
Diets:
• Ketogenic Diet
• Paleo Diet
• Whole30 Diet
• MIND Diet
• Low-FOODMAP Diet
• Atkins Diet
Gyms:
• 24 Hour Fitness
• Gold's Gym
• Planet Fitness
• LA Fitness
• Anytime Fitness