Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day is observed on January 17 each year. By mid-January, many people find their New Year's resolutions harder to keep than expected. This lighthearted day gives permission to let go of goals that aren't working, without guilt. Better yet, it's a chance to replace them with smaller, more realistic goals that are easier to stick with.
History of Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day
New Year's resolutions have ancient roots. The Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of the year, and Romans made pledges to the god Janus, for whom January is named. Today, many Americans set resolutions about health, money, learning and relationships.
Research suggests that many people abandon resolutions within the first weeks of the year. Fitness app Strava analyzed user activity and found that motivation often dropped by the second Friday of January, which it dubbed 'Quitter's Day'. Studies by psychologist John Norcross and colleagues have found that while many people slip, those who set specific goals and plan for setbacks are more likely to succeed.
Who created Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day is not documented. The idea fits a growing movement toward kinder, more flexible goal-setting, such as choosing a 'word of the year' or focusing on habits rather than strict rules.
Why Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day Matters
The day removes the pressure of all-or-nothing thinking. Missing a goal doesn't mean failure; it's information about what to adjust.
It encourages people to set goals that fit their real lives, which makes progress more likely.
Letting go of unrealistic resolutions can also reduce stress and make room for meaningful changes at any time of year.
How to Celebrate Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day
- Review your resolutions: decide which ones still matter.
- Shrink your goal: turn 'exercise every day' into 'walk 10 minutes'.
- Make it SMART: set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound goals.
- Stack habits: attach a new habit to something you already do.
- Celebrate progress: notice small wins.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, teams can revisit annual goals and adjust them to be more realistic, celebrating early progress. In classrooms, students can learn about SMART goals and set one small, achievable goal for the semester. At home, families can talk about what's working and what isn't, and choose one shared goal, such as a weekly family walk or game night.
Fun Facts About Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day
- The Babylonians made New Year's promises thousands of years ago.
- January is named for the Roman god Janus.
- Strava dubbed the second Friday of January 'Quitter's Day'.
Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day FAQs
When is Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day?
Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day is observed on January 17 each year.
Why do New Year's resolutions fail?
Goals are often too big, vague or not tied to a clear plan.
What is Quitter's Day?
A name for the second Friday of January, when many people abandon resolutions.
What is a SMART goal?
A goal that's specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
Should I give up on my resolutions?
You can adjust them instead, making them smaller and more realistic.
Where did New Year's resolutions come from?
They date back to ancient Babylonian and Roman traditions.