By Chiagoziem Abosi
Every December, it starts again.
New planners. New affirmations. New gym memberships. And the familiar promise that comes with the countdown to midnight, “new year, new me.”
But as the excitement fades and January settles in, many people begin to ask a quieter question. Do we really need new year resolutions to change our lives?
For some, the answer is no. For others, it still matters. And across conversations this season, those two views keep showing up.
Michael Chukuma believes change should not be tied to a date on the calendar.
“Anyone can decide to change or start new things at any time,” he said. “You don’t need a new year for that. People change whenever they get conviction to do so.”
According to him, the rush that comes with the new year often creates pressure rather than progress. People feel influenced by the moment, not driven by real intention.
“That frenzy around the new year is why many people don’t last in whatever they start,” Chukuma explained. “They start because everyone else is starting, not because they are truly ready.”
He argues that real growth usually begins quietly, when someone is tired of where they are and makes a firm personal decision to do better, not because the calendar changed.
Still, not everyone agrees that new year resolutions deserve all the criticism they get.
Priscilla Ofure admits she has gone through different phases with resolutions. As a child, she found them exciting. At some point, she thought they were unrealistic. But with time, her perspective changed again.
“I don’t think new year resolutions are about becoming a brand-new person,” she said. “It’s not about rebirth or a ‘new you.’ It’s more about restrategizing and making better plans as you move forward.”
For her, the new year simply provides a natural pause, a moment to reflect on what worked before and what needs improvement.
“It’s really about improving on what you were already doing the previous year,” Ofure added.
She also pointed out that writing goals alone is not enough. The difference between a wish and a resolution is action.
“The word resolution comes from resolve,” she said. “It means making a firm decision to do something. If you haven’t truly decided, then it’s not a resolution.”
In her view, taking time to set resolutions shows maturity and courage. It reflects a desire to grow and to be better than you were, even if the journey is gradual.
Listening to both perspectives, one thing becomes clear. The problem has never really been new year resolutions themselves. The problem is starting without conviction.
Change does not magically happen because it is January. But for some people, January offers structure, reflection, and a fresh opportunity to commit more intentionally.
Whether change begins on January 1 or on a random day in the year, what truly matters is resolve. The willingness to act, to stay consistent, and to keep showing up even when the excitement wears off.
And maybe that is the real resolution.
So, what’s your take?
Do you believe real change needs a new year, or do you think conviction matters more than the calendar? Are you a resolutions person, or a start-anytime believer?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk.
