The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions dates back about 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. During their twelve-day religious festival, they made promises to their gods to repay debts and return borrowed items. Fast forward to ancient Rome, and we see Julius Caesar declaring January 1st as the start of the new year. The month was named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god of beginnings and transitions. On this day, Romans offered sacrifices and vowed to be on their best behavior for the year ahead.

Sound familiar? These ancient rituals evolved into what we now call “New Year’s resolutions.” Today, we reflect on the past year and create a list of promises to improve ourselves in the year ahead. Maybe it’s just one goal—or maybe it’s twenty-five! (Cutting back on pineapple cheesecake, Crosley? Just a thought!) But let’s be real: by the second Friday in January, known as Quitter’s Day, most of us have already abandoned our resolutions. In fact, only about 1% of people stick with their goals for a full year.

So why do so many resolutions fail, and how can you and your child set goals that actually stick in 2025?

Making SMARTer Resolutions

Here’s the secret: resolutions are just goals. And there’s a tried-and-true framework for setting great goals called SMART. It breaks goals into five easy steps: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Let’s dive into each one with an example to help your child set a reading goal for 2025.

1. Specific

A good goal starts with clarity. If your child says, “I want to read more in 2025,” that’s great—but it’s too vague. Help them get specific by answering these five questions:

  • What do they want to accomplish? (How many books?)
  • Why do they want to reach this goal? (To learn, for fun, or something else?)
  • Who is involved? (Will they read solo or with family?)
  • Where will this happen? (Do they have a comfy reading spot?)
  • Which resources are needed? (Will they need rides to the library? A book wish list?)

2. Measurable

A goal needs a way to track progress. If your child wants to read twenty-five books in 2025, break that into smaller milestones: two books a month, with one month needing three. Create a visual tracker to cross off books as they’re finished and celebrate each mini-milestone! Small rewards, like a treat or an outing, can keep excitement and momentum going all year.

3. Achievable

Big goals are exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming. If your child isn’t a big reader, don’t set an unrealistic goal of fifty books. Instead, aim for something challenging yet doable, like ten or fifteen books. Adjust the goal as needed, but make sure it’s within reach. Progress over perfection!

4. Relevant

The goal has to matter to your child. It’ll feel like a chore if they’re not excited about it. Maybe they want to master skateboarding tricks instead of reading or are passionate about learning to cook. Whatever it is, help them pick something meaningful to them—not something you think they should do. Goals that reflect their interests are more likely to stick.

5. Time-Bound

Every goal needs a deadline. Your child’s reading goal could end on December 31, 2025—or sooner! Shorter deadlines— finishing a certain number of books by spring break, for example—can keep things manageable and motivating.

 

Resolutions don’t have to be a January-only thing. With the right approach, they can inspire year-round growth and adventure. So grab a notebook, sit down with your child, and start planning some SMART goals for 2025. Crosley’s rooting for you—and hoping there’s a pineapple cheesecake goal in there somewhere! 🍍📚