Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day

Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day is an unofficial holiday observed on January 17th each year. It’s a day when people are encouraged to let go of their New Year’s resolutions without feeling guilty, acknowledging that many resolutions are often unrealistic or unsustainable.

Quick Facts

When is it?: January 17th annually
Tagged as: Fun holiday, Unofficial holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #DitchNewYearsResolutionDay
When was it founded?: Unknown
Who founded it?: Unknown

History of Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day

The exact origin of Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day is unclear. However, the concept likely emerged as a humorous response to the high failure rate of New Year’s resolutions. It serves as a lighthearted way to acknowledge the difficulty of maintaining resolutions and encourages people to be kinder to themselves.

Timeline

Ancient Babylonians: First recorded New Year’s resolutions
1740s: First use of the phrase “New Year’s resolution” in writing
1813: A Boston newspaper publishes the term “New Year’s resolution”
Early 21st century: Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day gains popularity

Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	January 17	Friday
2026	January 17	Saturday
2027	January 17	Sunday
2028	January 17	Monday
2029	January 17	Wednesday
2030	January 17	Thursday

Observed Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day

This day is observed informally by individuals who choose to let go of their New Year’s resolutions. There are no official celebrations or events associated with it. People might mark the day by indulging in activities they had resolved to avoid or by simply acknowledging that it’s okay to adjust their goals.

Some use this day as an opportunity to reassess their resolutions and set more realistic, achievable goals. Others might celebrate by sharing their experiences of abandoned resolutions on social media or with friends.

The day serves as a reminder that personal growth and change can happen at any time, not just at the start of a new year.

Fun Facts About Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day

Only about 8% of people actually keep their New Year’s resolutions.
The most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight or get fit.
January 17th is considered the day when most people give up on their resolutions.
Some people celebrate by intentionally breaking their resolutions.
The day is sometimes called “Quitters Day” in reference to abandoning resolutions.

Quiz

On what date is Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day observed?
What percentage of people typically keep their New Year’s resolutions?
What is another name for Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day?
In what year was the term “New Year’s resolution” first published in a newspaper?
What is the most common New Year’s resolution?

(Answers: 1. January 17th, 2. 8%, 3. Quitters Day, 4. 1813, 5. Losing weight or getting fit)

FAQs

Q: Is Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day an official holiday?
A: No, it’s an unofficial, fun holiday.

Q: Should I really give up on my New Year’s resolutions?
A: It’s up to you. The day encourages reassessing goals rather than completely abandoning them.

Q: Can I start new resolutions after this day?
A: Absolutely! You can set new goals any time of the year.

Q: Why do most people fail their New Year’s resolutions?
A: Often because they set unrealistic goals or lack proper planning and motivation.

Q: How can I make more achievable resolutions?
A: Set specific, measurable, and realistic goals, and break them into smaller, manageable steps.

Importance of Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day

Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day serves as a valuable reminder that it’s okay to reassess and adjust our goals. It encourages self-compassion and acknowledges that change is a process, not an overnight transformation.

This day helps reduce the pressure and guilt associated with failing to keep resolutions. It promotes a more balanced approach to personal growth, emphasizing that it’s more important to make sustainable lifestyle changes than to stick to arbitrary resolutions.

Moreover, it opens up conversations about realistic goal-setting and the importance of flexibility in our personal development journeys. The day ultimately celebrates the human experience of trying, failing, and trying again.