Experiments, Not Resolutions

[Since this is the perfect time to consider what to commit to in the coming year, I’m updating and republishing this post from its first publication in March 2022.]

Why do short-term experiments work well when resolutions often fail to stick?

A new year will soon be born this week, full of unexpected pleasures and challenges, full of potential, full of opportunities to live the life we want. How many of us make New Year’s resolutions? If you have ever made resolutions, how did it work for you? Were they sustainable? Did they last a week, a month? Why do resolutions often fail?

Psychotherapist, Amy Morin, writes, “As a psychotherapist, I've seen countless people create positive change in their lives. But it's rare that I see anyone change their lives after making a New Year's resolution. Think about it. When was the last time you heard someone say, ‘I lost 50 pounds last year thanks to my New Year's resolution!’ or ‘I finally paid off all my debt after I created that New Year's resolution?’ Depending on which study you read, an estimated 88 to 92 percent of people fail to keep New Year's resolutions. Yet, despite the dismal probability of success, most people continue to declare a new year will bring about new habits. If you want to make [2026] your best year, think beyond the resolution. These alternatives will help you go on more adventures, connect with amazing people, learn new things, and grow stronger” (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201712/5-alternatives-to-traditional-new-years-resolutions). Her article is worth reading in total.

Several years ago, my brother shared an approach to a new year that I have planned and used ever since: monthly or quarterly experiments. Each month or quarter, I try out something. If it was beneficial, I considered taking it in as a change in my life. If it wasn’t something I wanted to keep in my life, I let it go after the set time. Here are some examples of my past monthly or quarterly experiments and the results:

• No social media It was a strange experience and a worthy experiment. I realized how much wasted time I spent on several social media platforms. I saw how mood-altering social media was so I decided to drop lots of “friends” and unfollow some groups and extraneous adverts. I extended the monthly experiment through the next month, then, I decided to drop Facebook.

• Capsule Wardrobe January - March, I committed to the ‘Project 333’ https://bemorewithless.com/ . It was a powerful experiment that has forever changed my wardrobe and clothing buying.

• Walking 2 miles a day I chose a winter month to do this experiment because I knew it would be extra challenging to walk in the cold weather. I ended up joining the YMCA to walk indoors on a treadmill and that got me going to the ‘Y’ for water aerobics, balance, and chair fitness.

• Read for pleasure Even though I love to read, this was a tough one because, at the time, I was a college English professor so my job included reading, reading, reading papers. Still, I realized how much I missed reading for reading pleasure. Because I’m a writer, reading is essential.

• Cooking every day This was a great experiment because I learned I like a combination of cooking at home and going out to eat. After the 3-month commitment was over, I did not keep this up because I discovered I no longer find joy in cooking.  Now, I cook for the week, meal prep that’s minimalistic.

• No complaining This was, surprisingly, a difficult experiment. It showed me how much I complained and how complaining seemed to be the glue that held together some friendships. I do complain sometimes now, but I know why I do it rather than it being an unconscious act.

• No alcohol This was easier than I thought, and the results were clear thinking, naturally luminous skin, and no puffiness under my eyes. I never went back to alcohol and feel better as a result.

• No make-up I did this experiment in February 2025 and liked the freedom from making-up so much that I ditched make-up forever.

• No over-packing for a trip I used to pack extra clothing ‘in case.’ I experimented with taking a week-long trip by only packing a back pack that fit under the seat on my flights. It was easy. Interestingly, developing a capsule wardrobe and not wearing make-up positively influenced how little I pack for a trip now.  And, I’m not tempted to buy ‘souvenirs’ to bring back because there is no extra space when I pack.

I don’t make resolutions anymore; I commit to monthly or quarterly experiments. Short term experiments work much better for me and for many others. Are you interested in giving short-term experiments  a try rather than attempting to commit to long-term goals and resolutions? What experiments will you apply in 2026? Have you tested out this process in the past?  If so, how’d it go/what did you like/what did you not like?

Please share your thoughts, insights, and suggestions by either commenting below this post if you are reading this on Blue Sky or Substack, or, if you are reading this through your email subscription, please share, by emailing me, at reimaginelife22@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading and participating in this blog essay; I invite you to subscribe to my blog at www.reimaginelifecoach.com. 

Happy New Year!