New Year—Are you feeling the same way?
As 2026 approaches, New Yorkers are setting all kinds of ambitious goals, from unrealistic weight loss targets to finding the perfect partner. Everyone seems eager to make this their year.
But, here’s the reality: it probably won’t happen.
Most people ditch their resolutions within just a few weeks. And, deep down, we often know that. A survey from last year showed a staggering 79% of New Yorkers who hoped to improve their lives didn’t expect their plans to succeed.
Dr. Rachel Goldman, a psychologist, told the Post that the start of a new year should be a time for introspection rather than a fresh start, which usually sets us up for failure from the outset.
“I’m not in favor of New Year’s resolutions,” Goldman explained. “It’s more helpful to set attainable goals, but that requires reflecting on your current situation.”
She referenced statistics indicating that a mere 9% of Americans manage to keep their resolutions by the end of the year. Reflecting on past experiences isn’t just a nice gesture—it can actually help you grow and prepare for future success.
“Many people tend to compare themselves with others or with where they used to be,” Goldman remarked. “They might think, ‘I used to hit the gym five times a week; I should be able to do that again,’ but that’s often unrealistic given their current life circumstances.”
Instead of criticizing yourself for not meeting lofty expectations, she stressed the importance of breaking down goals into actionable steps. And, importantly, don’t forget how far you’ve already come.
“Unrealistic expectations often lead to self-judgment. Instead, if you break goals down into manageable, realistic steps and focus on what you can control, while acknowledging your progress, you can effect real change.”
So, let go of those ineffective diets and vague aspirations of finding true love. Here are some concrete experiences shared by Post readers that might inspire you for a happier and healthier 2026.
About relationships
“I’ve had friends who betrayed me time and again. It was tough, but I finally cut them off. Now, I’ll focus on nurturing positive relationships.”
— Jessica Woolisman, 38, Los Angeles
“Reclaiming your joy takes time. I learned that following a rough breakup last January. This year, I’m prioritizing myself.”
— Curtis, 24, Brooklyn
“In 2025, I realized how vital relationships are for happiness. Mending broken ties can be healing, but so can letting go of toxic ones. In 2026, I’ll seek out joy and become the best person I can be.”
— Sally Ann, New York
“I learned that some dreams come with a cost, but they’re still worth pursuing. After struggling with infertility, holding my baby girl has made all the challenges worthwhile. If you’re hoping to become a parent, keep pushing forward.”
— Melissa O’Brien, 42, Madison, Wisconsin
About professional life
“In 2025, I learned that I don’t need everyone’s approval to succeed. I will focus on being consistent and true to myself in 2026, and continue my podcast to voice my thoughts.”
— Dina Barber, 42, Brooklyn
“After graduation, I struggled to find a job. A friend and I crashed a networking event by pretending to be there as unemployed attendees, and it ended up connecting me with people who changed my career. In 2026, I’m planning to embrace unconventional approaches.”
— Matt Keenan, 24, New Jersey
“The lesson I learned in 2025 was that being great at my job doesn’t mean I’m in the right environment. Sometimes, changing the setting is the best solution.”
— Najma, 30, New York
About personal growth
“Reflecting on 2025 taught me that doing the right thing doesn’t always yield the desired outcome. Even tough decisions must be made, and trusting your intuition is crucial.”
— Chris H., 35, South Dakota
“I found inspiration in HBO Max’s ‘Heat Rivalry.’ Seeing two hockey players fall in love over eight years highlighted the importance of representation in media.”
— Chris Tronsen, 43, Orange County, California
“I used to seek approval on dates, losing sight of myself in the process. Once I let go and let things happen naturally, I met my amazing boyfriend on a plane.”
— Nikki Murray, New York
“Realizing that my past struggles were often due to my own choices helped me take responsibility for my life. Accepting my role in it has empowered me to create change.”
— Sarah, 28, Tampa, Florida
