LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The New Year is a time for self-reflecting and setting new goals. That's why so many around the world make resolutions at the beginning of each year.
In fact, according to a new survey from BetKentucky.com, 94% of Americans will be setting a New Year's resolution for 2024. Some popular resolutions nationwide involve budgeting and eating healthier.
Dr. Stephen Taylor, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer at UofL's Peace Hospital, said when it comes to resolutions, it's important to stay away from an "all or nothing mentality."
"If we have an all or nothing notion about doing something new, changing some behavior or making some new way of being, we're much more likely to fail than if we do it in a stepwise fashion," Taylor said.
But what are the most popular resolutions being made in Kentucky? While many of the top resolutions are the same across America and in Kentucky, there are a few key differences.
Top New Year's resolutions in Kentucky:
- Save money and budget better – 48%
- Eat healthier and improve diet – 43%
- Improve mental health and reduce stress – 41%
- Strengthen relationships with family and friends – 37%
- Advance in my career or find a new job – 35%
- Lose weight and get fit – 30%
- Travel more and explore new places – 28%
- Learn a new skill or hobby – 27%
- Reduce drinking consumption – 24%
The percentages add up to over 100% because participants of the survey could vote for several resolutions, according to BetKentucky.com
One big difference between the national results and Kentucky's results is the percentage of people across America whose resolution was to drink less alcohol was only 9% while the percentage of Kentuckian's trying to drink less this year is a staggering 24%.
Some could argue these results show how family-oriented the Bluegrass State is. While 25% of people nationally wish to strengthen relationships with family and friends in the New Year, 37% of Kentuckians are prioritizing improving relationships this year.
A whopping 35% of people in Kentucky has made it their New Year's resolution to get a promotion or a new job; however, the national average for people looking to advance in their career for 2024 is just 18%.
Unfortunately, this survey states 73% of Kentucky residents give up their New Year’s resolutions within the first month, with 21% of people giving up their resolutions in the first week of January.
Taylor added relapse is also part of the process and that changing behaviors is a long journey, so be prepared for them to take time. He suggested if you're making resolutions, to make baby step plans to complete them, and think about why you want to change.
Even if you don't end up sticking with your resolution this year, as long as you strive to be a little better than you were the year before, that's all that matters.
Click here for a full list of the survey's national findings.
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