3 powerful ways to achieve your New Year's resolutions

Why New Year's resolutions often disappear faster than expected

The turn of the year feels like a fresh start. Many people resolve to live more consciously, to take more time for themselves, or to make more sustainable decisions.
But after just a few weeks, New Year's resolutions begin to falter.

This is less due to a lack of motivation and more often to how resolutions are formulated: too ambitious, too vague, or too strict. Trying to change everything at once overwhelms oneself. Psychological research shows that small, positively framed changes are significantly more successful.
👉 Source: https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/442773-trending-science-what-does-science-say-about-all-the-failed-new-year-s-resolutions/de

1: Formulate New Year's resolutions in a way that motivates you.

A common mistake is focusing on deprivation. Our brain tends to react to this with resistance rather than motivation.
It is better to formulate New Year's resolutions as an invitation to something new.

Instead of:
"I want to have less stress."

Better:
"I consciously take 10 minutes for myself every evening."

Or, to put it more concretely in everyday life:
"I start my morning with a fixed skincare routine that makes me feel good."

Such formulations are easier to implement – and this is precisely where small rituals can help. For example, a calm morning routine with your Ben&Anna Deodorant, conscious showering or a short moment of self-care before the day begins.

2: Make goals tangible - small, concrete, realistic

Many New Year's resolutions fail because they remain too abstract. Concepts like "more mindfulness" or "living more sustainably" sound good, but need to be translated into everyday life.

This is how resolutions become tangible:

"Living sustainably" becomes:
→ "I'm replacing an everyday product with a more conscious alternative."
"More self-care" becomes:
→ "I schedule two fixed self-care evenings per month."
"Take better care of myself" becomes:
→ "I take time in the morning for a short grooming routine."

Small goals like these are easy to check off – and each check-off strengthens the feeling of sticking with it. That's precisely what makes New Year's resolutions successful in the long run.

3: Planning instead of pure motivation

Motivation is a good start, but not a reliable companion. What really helps is planning.
New Year's resolutions work better when they are firmly integrated into everyday life.

Helpful questions to consider:

When exactly will I put my resolution into action?
What everyday situations are suitable for this?
How can I make it easier for myself to stick with it?

For example:
Instead of resolving to "live more consciously," a consistent evening ritual can help—for example, a peaceful end to the day with pampering, relaxation, and a mindful moment for yourself. Using skincare products you enjoy naturally supports such routines. 👉 Here you will find suitable products to support you.

New Year's resolutions should feel good.

An often underestimated point: Resolutions must fit into one's own life. They should feel good and allow room for flexibility.
Not every resolution has to be performance-oriented. Sometimes it's simply about being more mindful of oneself and one's environment.

Ben&Anna This attitude perfectly embodies: small changes in everyday life that are easy to integrate - without pressure, without perfectionism.

Sticking with it doesn't mean being perfect.

Setbacks are part of the process. The important thing is not to see New Year's resolutions as rigid rules, but rather as guidelines.
Those who allow themselves to adapt remain more motivated in the long run than someone who gives up at the first deviation.

The new year doesn't have to start perfectly - but honestly, realistically, and with resolutions that truly fit into life.

FAQ

1. Why do so many New Year's resolutions fail so quickly?
Many New Year's resolutions fail because they are too ambitious, vague, or negatively worded. Those who try to change too much at once or restrict themselves too much quickly lose motivation. Small, realistic steps, formulated positively and in a way that's relevant to everyday life, are much better.

2. How do I formulate New Year's resolutions that actually work?
Successful New Year's resolutions are specific, positive, and achievable. Instead of focusing on deprivation, create new routines that feel good – for example: "I will take 5 minutes every morning for a skincare routine." Such resolutions encourage long-term adherence.

3. What helps to make New Year's resolutions a lasting reality?
Planning is crucial for sustainable New Year's resolutions. Defining specific times and situations in everyday life increases the chance of sticking with them in the long run. Even small successes, like maintaining simple routines, are motivating – without striving for perfection.