The Cycle of New Year's Resolutions

This post argues that both therapy and theology think in cyclical rather than in linear terms.

Setting Goals

Resolutions don’t work . . . or do they? One oft-cited study finds that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Do they fall short because of incorrect technique, as this vlogger suggests? Perhaps because of a lack of willpower and waiting until January to implement an overdue life change, as from this vlogger? Could be.

Perhaps resolutions don’t “work”—and even that’s a stretch, because setting achievable goals is possible—but that’s not the same thing as saying failed resolutions serve no purpose. Arguably, even failed resolutions propel the cycle of change.

Sometimes the interests and observations of therapy and theology overlap, run along the same tracks. One agreement, I believe, is that change is not linear. You don’t exist on one side of a chasm separated from another, with only a resolution to separate you. Change is much more cyclical; character forms in spiral fashion; habits, even “habits of the heart,” are rarely cement.

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Theology

Take the biblical book of Judges for example. The book of Judges is organized in short episodes, each of which has a clear “sin cycle”: first, Israel’s obedience, idolatry, slavery, and penitent prayer; then, God’s raising up a judge (leader) for the nation and delivering Israel; and again, Israel’s obedience, idolatry, etc. The cycle is repeated some seven times, every time with a different judge. From a Christian standpoint, the First Testament looks forward to Christ, and perhaps one lesson for life change is the superiority of grace to law. Still, I know more than a few Christians who believe they live and re-live this "sin cycle" between Sundays!

Psychology

Addiction studies use a model that looks uncannily similar to the “sin cycle” in Judges, the only significant difference being that it explains personal rather than national behavior. This model organizes behavior change in this way: one thinks about change during a precontemplation stage, thinks more critically and realistically during a contemplation stage, which leads to preparation, action, and maintenance behaviors which allow one to live free of their addiction; ultimately, if the cycle is to repeat, the maintenance behavior stops and one relapses. For many, they will experience this cycle many, many times before developing the self-knowledge, willpower and supports to continue in the maintenance stage (as well as continue to change for the better without relapse).

So, Should I Resolve

Maybe you don't like New Year's resolutions. You didn't grow up doing them or you think of them as a bit of a delusional hype. Most who write about New Year's resolutions encourage people to resolve well, rather than forgo the tradition altogether. I have this same instinct. There is something about this time of year that fosters reflection and introspection—and goal setting is a productive way to engage that existentially-laden potential energy.

One oversight in popular-level New Year's literature is brought into focus in the dialogue of therapy and theology. In all the techniques to inspire action and better maintain habits to help one not be one of the 80% who fails, I think it's lost that January's resolving effort matters. It isn't an ultimate failure when relapse or idolatry happen. Behavior follows cycles, as do resolutions, and possible failure isn't a good reason not to try.

© Kyle Lincoln 2020. Use with Permission

Contact: kylejordanlincoln@gmail.com

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Further Reading

[1] Adele M. Hayes, Jean-Philippe Laurenceau, Greg Feldman, Jennifer L. Strauss, and LeeAnn Cardaciotto. "Change Is Not Always Linear: The Study of Nonlinear and Discontinuous Patterns of Change in Psychotherapy." Clinical Psychology Review 27, no. 6 (2007): 715-723.

[2] Frederick E. Greenspahn, "The Theology of the Framework of Judges." Vetus Testamentum 36, no. 4 (1986): 385-396

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of other Therapy and Theology contributors.

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