Dissatisfied with New Year’s resolutions? You’re hungry for God

Kicking a habit - or starting something new - is not a bad thing, says Andy Witherall. But if our constant resolve is to ‘make’ this year the one that everything changes, it might signal a deeper desire

In December 2021, I bought my first pair of running shoes. The plan was simple. I could indulge in all the Christmas goodies I wanted up until 1 January, and then it was time to get fit and healthy. I had visions of regular 5k runs come rain or shine. I did well for the first month but, having factored in the ‘rain’ and ‘shine’, I failed to plan for February’s ice and snow. By March the big freeze had finally gone - and so had my exercise routine. But that was OK – it was just another ten months until the next new year! 

Perhaps this story sounds familiar. Every January, the phrase: “Happy New You!” chimes out as people prepare to have another go at those resolutions. But, as you get older, these words can feel less hopeful and more futile. Because we said it last year, and the ten years before that. Might our constant resolve to make each year the one that changes everything suggest that, just maybe, there might be something deeper to our ongoing quest for a better us?