As the calendar turns, a familiar ritual unfolds across Nigeria: the making of New Year’s resolutions. But what do Nigerians truly think about this annual practice? Is it a powerful catalyst for change or a futile exercise in wishful thinking? A recent survey reveals a rich tapestry of perspectives, offering profound insights into the national psyche regarding goal-setting, discipline, and personal growth.
The Proponents: Resolutions as a Framework for Renewal
For many, the new year represents a powerful psychological milestone. Mrs Titilayo Adeniyi, a Kwara-based businesswoman, eloquently frames it as “hitting the reset button”—a natural pause for reflection, accountability, and setting a renewed purpose. This view is widely shared. Mrs Idara Obong in Port Harcourt sees it as a gift of a “fresh start,” a built-in motivator for self-improvement that fosters growth and discipline even when goals aren’t perfectly met.
The practical utility is also emphasized. For Mr Jide Akinpelu, a civil servant, resolutions are essentially “realistic and result-driven” to-do lists for the year. This sentiment is echoed by professionals like Miss Jesutofunmi Robinson, who finds they create personal accountability, and Mr Samuel Ogundele, an entrepreneur, who values the direction and structure they provide.
The Mechanics of Success: Insights from the Ground
Beyond belief, respondents offered nuanced advice on how to make resolutions work, moving beyond cliché to practical strategy. Ms Victoria Awolade pinpointed a critical failure point: “The mistake people make is trying to start big.” Her solution? Breaking down behavioural change into “small SMART objectives.” This aligns with modern behavioural science, which shows that micro-habits are more sustainable than monumental shifts.
Mrs Yetunde Alabi in Lagos added a crucial layer: resolutions “only work when backed by consistent habits.” This highlights the understanding that a single decision on January 1st is meaningless without the architecture of daily routines to support it. Pastors like Muyiwa Olanrewaju and Supo Odeleye framed resolutions as “checks and balances” and tools for life review, integrating spiritual discipline into the goal-setting process.
The Sceptics and the Systems-Thinking Alternative
Not all are convinced by the calendar’s power. A significant cohort questions the very premise. Miss Mariam Dakwan dismisses January 1st as “like every other day,” noting the common failure to follow through. Mr Dare Dada, a Lagos businessman, curtly labels resolutions “just words.”
More compelling than outright rejection, however, is the philosophy of the “systems-thinkers.” Mr Leke Oni, a statistician, presents a powerful counter-narrative: “Time is continuous, and real change usually comes from consistent systems rather than decisions tied to a calendar date.” He advocates for “principle-driven habits that can adapt and scale over time”—a view that finds resonance with Pastor Kayode Opemuyi, who prefers daily growth decisions, and the anonymous respondent in Ado-Ekiti who calls for “regular reflection and adjustment, regardless of the season.”
The Unifying Principle: Agency Over Calendar
Ultimately, the survey reveals a profound national consensus that cuts across optimism and scepticism. Whether one is a fervent believer in New Year’s resolutions or a proponent of continuous systems, Nigerians agree that the mechanism for change is internal. Pastor Olufemi Bamidele summed it up: “a new calendar alone could not create change without wise choices.”
The core ingredients for meaningful transformation, as echoed by nearly every respondent—from nurses and entrepreneurs to pastors and civil servants—are discipline, consistency, and deliberate effort. The debate, therefore, isn’t about the value of improvement, but about the most effective framework to achieve it: the symbolic fresh start of January, or the relentless, daily commitment to better systems.
This collective wisdom moves the conversation from a simple “for or against” stance on resolutions to a more mature discussion on personal accountability, strategic planning, and the enduring human pursuit of growth, irrespective of the date on the calendar.
Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke
Source: NAN
