7 Reasons Why New Year Resolutions are a Waste of Time

Ah, yes, it's that time of year when we all pretend we're going to change our lives for the better with a collection of unrealistic promises we call New Year Resolutions. I'm talking about those lofty goals we set in December and abandon by February. As a hairstylist or salon owner, you've probably considered making a few yourself. And sure, if you're one of the few remarkable unicorns who can stick to them, more power to you. But what if I told you that New Year's resolutions are a waste of time? Why bother setting yourself up for failure again and again? Dive in with me, and let's uncover the seven reasons that confirm New Year resolutions are trash.

1. The psychology behind New Year's resolutions is faulty. The idea that writing down vague goals we know we won't achieve somehow makes us feel better is absurd. This made-up dopamine surge is temporary and ultimately leads to frustration and disappointment.

2. Resolutions can't lead to sustainable behavior change because they are not constructed in a way that harnesses motivation and turns it into action and change. Changing repetitive, familiar personal behaviors or adding new, unfamiliar ones are complicated things to accomplish. Goals must come with an action plan and preferably a professional guiding hand to see significant, lasting transformation.

3. 80% of resolutions are abandoned by February. So yeah, scratch those resolutions! Why set yourself up for failure when you know you'll likely give up? The guilt and shame that come with abandoning a resolution can be more destructive than the resolution itself.

4. New Year's resolutions typically involve one of three wishes: to stop avoiding something, to stop doing something that makes you feel good, or to start doing something that doesn't come naturally. These resolutions are not linked to a larger vision. Therefore, they're meaningless and usually indicate the person's desire to have their life have structure. Unfortunately, life doesn't have a blueprint, and resolving it like concrete is unrealistic.

5. Resolutions are too global and vague to be turned into motivated action. Let's be honest. If you have a goal of losing weight, writing 'I want to lose weight' down and sticking it on your bathroom mirror is not going to cut it. Not only is it too broad, but it doesn't give you the courage to withstand the uncomfortable changes that come with real change.

6. Setting achievable goals and breaking them down into doable tasks is more effective than making resolutions. It's always best to be specific with your goals and break them down into small, realistic, achievable, practical steps. Small wins are what ultimately push the ball further.

7. Resolutions set you up for failure. If the biggest mistake you made this year, my dear hairstylist, was setting New Year's resolutions, throw that in the bin now. Nobody's perfect, but incredibly specific goals that are achievable are game-changers. Take smaller steps toward the lives you aspire to live, and gradually, you'll be one step closer.

If you are going to make New Year's resolutions this year, you're asking for trouble. Don't beat yourself up over annual stereotypes and meaningless goals. Instead, focus on setting specific objectives with a well-thought-out action plan and commit to seeing them through, little by little. You're the master of your destiny. So, let's forget the resolutions and start creating a meaningful plan of action today. Happy New Year!

Christen Barrs is the owner of Good Hair Collective and a coach for Destroy the Hairdresser. She specializes in teaching extension artists and salon owners how to see the bigger picture and make achievable goals with a clear plan to do so.