Quitters Day

Quitter’s Day is observed on the second Friday of January, which this year lands on January 10. The practice of making New Year’s resolutions dates back about 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians, who actually celebrated the new year in mid-March, coinciding with the first moon after the spring equinox. Quitter’s Day aims to acknowledge those who set goals for the new year but may not have succeeded, while also motivating and supporting them to try again and ultimately reach their aspirations.Research indicates that many individuals abandon their resolutions by the second Friday of January. For instance, a 2019 study by Strava, a social network for athletes, revealed that around 80% of people who set New Year’s resolutions give up by the second week of January. Drawing from a wealth of data from 800 million user-logged activities that year, Strava predicted that this day marks the decline of enthusiasm for many who have quit. The main focus areas for these resolutions typically include fitness, dietary habits, and weight loss. New findings suggest that about two-thirds of people will let go of their resolutions within a month.One significant barrier to achieving New Year’s resolutions is that many set overly ambitious goals. People often start with a burst of motivation, but as time goes on, that initial drive tends to fade. To effectively meet goals, it’s essential to establish short, medium, and long-term objectives instead of aiming for one unrealistic, large goal. By beginning with small steps and maintaining consistency, along with partnering with someone for accountability and motivation, individuals can see better results. Rather than mocking those who set resolutions and do not follow through, this day should inspire them to achieve their goals against all odds. The secret to persisting in any endeavor lies not just in deciding to do something, but in being wholly committed to it. Persistence is key, and joining a group or club with similar goals can be incredibly beneficial. Research has shown that these three strategies are effective methods for staying on track.Timeline of Quitters Day
- 1960: Dr. Maltz releases a book stating it takes a minimum of 21 days for an old mental image to fade and a new one to develop.
- 1988: The University of Scranton publishes a study revealing that only 19% of those who make resolutions follow through and achieve their goals within two years.
- 2009: Dr. Larry concludes from a study that, on average, it takes 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic.
- 2012: The University of Scranton issues a study predicting that only 8% of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions will stick to them.
What percentage of New Year’s resolutions fail by February? Research shows that up to 80% of annual goals are not realized or followed up by the end of February.

How do I make my resolution last? To stick with your New Year’s resolution, clearly outline your specific goals, start with manageable steps, invest time in planning, seek support, and periodically review your objectives.

How long do most New Year’s resolutions last? Studies indicate that resolutions typically last for about 36 days, which is just over a month.

Activities for Quitters Day
- Celebrate Past Achievements: Remember that even if you’ve given up on some goals, it doesn’t define you as a failure. Acknowledge your past successes and consider organizing a celebration with friends or colleagues to motivate each other for future endeavors.
- Revise Your Goals: Take this opportunity to thoroughly review the goals you previously set. This reflection can help identify weaknesses and gaps, allowing you to devise a more effective plan moving forward.
- Teach Others: Once you’ve learned and practiced effective strategies for achieving your goals, share that knowledge with others. They will appreciate your guidance, and you’ll be making a positive impact on many lives.
5 Fascinating Facts About New Year’s Resolutions
1. More Common in the West: While New Year’s resolutions are prevalent in Western cultures, they also exist in Eastern societies.
2. Post-Great Depression Trend: Approximately a quarter of American adults made New Year’s resolutions after the Great Depression.
3. Optimal Timing: Research indicates that those who set traditional New Year’s resolutions are ten times more likely to succeed compared to those who choose to initiate changes at other times throughout the year.
4. Effective Goal-Setting: Studies suggest that the most successful way to accomplish a New Year’s resolution is by establishing specific, measurable goals.
5. Religious Roots: The Romans began each year by making promises to their god Janus, and nowadays, many Christians prepare for the upcoming year through prayer and resolutions.
Why We Appreciate Quitters Day
- Mutual Support: This special day dedicated to recognizing those who halt their pursuit of yearly goals fosters understanding of the reasons for quitting. It creates a platform for individuals to learn from one another and encourage each other to better achieve their aspirations.
- Recognizing Limitations: Quitter’s Day serves as a reminder that we are human and will inevitably experience failures. This understanding cultivates more empathetic and supportive societies.
- Personal Growth: This day plays a crucial role in helping everyone involved work towards becoming better versions of themselves. By applying the lessons learned, we can collectively contribute to a better world.
Upcoming Quitters Day Dates:
- 2022: January 14 (Friday)
- 2023: January 13 (Friday)
- 2024: January 12 (Friday)
- 2025: January 10 (Friday)
- 2026: January 9 (Friday)