Today’s guest post (and super motivational for the new year) is from AlisonEdgar.com.
Dr Alison Edgar MBE is a female motivational speaker, business woman and author.
“An increasing number of people may claim they’ve opted out of the ‘New Year, New Me’
mantra, but statistics tell a different story. According to a survey by Finder.com, nearly three-
quarters of Brits (74%) plan to set New Year’s resolutions for 2025. That’s around 40 million
people taking deliberate steps to better themselves as the year begins. This marks an 8%
increase, or 5 million more people, compared to last year when only 66% of the UK
population set goals for 2024.
Here are some compelling stats:
● 1 in 3 Brits (32%) will make a money-related resolution for 2025.
● 96% of Gen Z (aged 18-27) will be setting resolutions, compared to just 35% of the
Silent Generation (aged 79+).
● Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials (46%) will focus on financial goals.
● Londoners are leading the charge, with 87% resolving to make positive changes this
New Year.
So, why are New Year’s resolutions so important, and why should you start thinking about
them now?
Why Resolutions Matter
Critics of New Year’s resolutions generally fall into two camps:
● Those who believe you don’t need January 1st to set goals.
● Those who argue resolutions create unnecessary pressure.
As a self-proclaimed expert in goal-setting (and smashing), here’s my two-pence:
You don’t need a new year to set a goal, but having a defined timeframe makes success
more achievable.
When there’s a clear starting point, like New Year’s Day, you’re more likely to draw a line in
the sand and commit to change. A deadline can be the catalyst you need to shake off bad
habits and embrace better ones. While I’m not saying you should spend these final days of
December indulging in chocolates and soaking up wine, having a starting point like January
1st provides a psychological boost to set and achieve clear, actionable goals.
There’s also science supporting the 16th of January as a good deadline … But I’ll come
back to that later.
The Yerkes-Dodson Stress Curve Proves the Power of Pressure
For those who believe resolutions create unnecessary stress, consider the science. The
Yerkes-Dodson curve demonstrates that a moderate amount of pressure is essential for
performance. Too little, and you risk boredom and procrastination. Too much, and you face
burnout. Striking the right balance, with realistic, actionable goals, is the key to progress. If
you are finding yourself burnt out, chances are you’ve not set those goals carefully.
There’s a famous quote that says if you only have 10% and you give 10%, you’re giving
100%. I’m not about putting undue pressure onto people, you give what you can, but I’m
more about helping them understand the importance and science of motivation, and how you
can unlock it to achieve your goals.
The Secret to Smashing Your Goals
Unrealistic expectations, like vowing to earn £12 million, buy a penthouse in Canary Wharf, a
Maserati, and achieve the body of a supermodel, all by March, set you up for failure. Lofty
ambitions without a clear plan will lead to frustration and burnout, and that’s a promise I can
make you.
Goals, when done right, are a powerful motivator. They give you purpose, focus, and the
drive to move forward. Rather than fearing the pressure of resolutions, embrace them as a
tool to challenge yourself – just ensure your goals are grounded in reality.
Did you know, about 90% of people give up their New Years Resolutions two weeks into
January? If you want to know more about how to set goals that actually stick, check out my
website, or my personal and professional development event happening on the 16th of
January 2025, no upsells, just guaranteed to help you SMASH IT!”
Written by: Dr Alison Edgar MBE
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