Why Resolutions Fail: Yoga’s Wisdom for Long-Lasting Change
As the New Year begins, many of us feel compelled to set resolutions, determined to create a fresh start. Whether it’s committing to a healthier lifestyle, learning a new skill, or breaking an old habit, resolutions often symbolise our desire to improve and grow. Yet, by February, many of these resolutions falter, leaving us feeling disheartened.
But why do resolutions so often fail? And how can yoga offer us a wiser, more sustainable approach to creating meaningful change?
The Trouble with Resolutions
Traditional New Year’s resolutions are typically focused on external outcomes: losing a certain amount of weight, hitting a specific milestone at work, or achieving some form of success. While there’s nothing wrong with setting goals, these resolutions often come with unrealistic expectations and a rigid “pass or fail” mindset. They’re frequently rooted in self-criticism (“I’m not good enough as I am”) rather than self-compassion.
Moreover, resolutions often fail to address the deeper patterns or behaviours that hold us back. For example, if your resolution is to “be less stressed,” but you don’t explore the root causes of your stress or cultivate supportive habits, you’re likely to struggle to maintain lasting change.
A Yogic Approach to Change
Yoga invites us to take a different approach. Rather than focusing on rigid goals, the practice encourages us to embrace the process of growth with self-awareness, intention, and patience. Here’s how yogic philosophy can help us create lasting change:
Start with Svadhyaya (Self-Study) In yoga, self-study is a fundamental principle. Before setting any intention, it’s essential to reflect on where you are now. This means asking yourself questions like:
Why do I want to make this change?
What’s preventing me from achieving it?
How do I feel about myself as I am?
Through this process of self-inquiry, we can uncover our true motivations and identify any unhelpful patterns. For example, if you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle, self-study might reveal that emotional eating or a lack of self-care lies at the root of the issue.
Set Intentions, Not Resolutions Yoga encourages us to set intentions (Sankalpa) rather than resolutions. Intentions are rooted in the present moment and focus on how we want to feel or who we want to become, rather than on achieving a specific outcome. For instance:
Instead of “I will lose 10 kilograms,” try: “I will nourish my body with care and kindness.”
Instead of “I will work out five times a week,” try: “I will move my body in ways that bring me joy.”
These intentions are more flexible, allowing us to adapt to life’s inevitable ups and downs while staying aligned with our values.
Tapas: The Power of Discipline Change requires commitment, and yoga teaches us the principle of Tapas—the inner fire or discipline that drives transformation. However, Tapas doesn’t mean pushing yourself to extremes. Instead, it’s about cultivating consistency and perseverance with compassion.
If your goal is to meditate daily, for example, start small. Commit to just two minutes a day and gradually build from there. Consistency matters more than intensity, and small steps lead to lasting change.
Embrace Ahimsa (Non-Harming) Many resolutions are rooted in self-criticism or shame, which can lead to self-sabotage. Ahimsa, the principle of non-harming, reminds us to treat ourselves with kindness. If you miss a day of yoga or indulge in a slice of cake, it’s not a failure—it’s an opportunity to practise self-compassion and start again.
Remember, change isn’t linear. There will be setbacks, but they don’t define your journey. What matters is your willingness to return to your intention, again and again.
Be Present and Patient Yoga teaches us to live in the present moment, rather than fixating on future outcomes. Resolutions often fail because they’re focused entirely on the end goal, creating pressure and impatience. When we shift our attention to the process—whether it’s enjoying a yoga class, preparing a healthy meal, or taking a mindful walk—we build habits that feel rewarding in themselves.
Long-lasting change takes time. Trust the process and allow yourself the space to grow gradually.
Practical Steps for Intentional Change
If you’re ready to embrace a more mindful approach to the New Year, here’s a simple process to guide you:
Reflect: Take some time to journal or meditate on the past year. What are you grateful for? What challenges did you face, and what did you learn from them? What would you like to let go of?
Set Your Intention: Choose one or two intentions for the year ahead. Frame them positively and focus on how you want to feel, rather than what you want to achieve.
Create Rituals: Build small, meaningful rituals to support your intentions. For example:
If your intention is to cultivate calm, try a daily breathing practice or a weekly restorative yoga class.
If your intention is to prioritise your health, start each day with a nourishing breakfast or a short yoga flow.
Check In Regularly: Revisit your intention regularly to reflect on your progress and make adjustments as needed. Celebrate small victories and remind yourself of your “why.”
Seek Support: Share your intention with a trusted friend or join a community that aligns with your goals. Support and accountability can make a world of difference.
The Gift of Yoga’s Wisdom
The New Year doesn’t have to be about drastic overhauls or unrealistic expectations. With yoga’s wisdom, we can approach change with greater self-awareness, compassion, and resilience. By setting meaningful intentions and embracing the journey, we create a foundation for growth that lasts far beyond January.
So, as you step into 2025, ask yourself: How can I honour my journey while planting seeds for the future? The answer, as yoga reminds us, lies in listening to your inner wisdom and trusting the process of transformation.
Namaste, Angela at Sussex Yoga
