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Every January, the same ritual plays out. Gym memberships spike, detox plans trend, and social media feeds are flooded with promises of “New Year, New Me”. For a few weeks, motivation is high and intentions are pure. But by February, many of those resolutions have quietly slipped away like Homer Simpson disappearing into that hedge.
The reality is that many New Year’s resolutions are short-lived, unrealistic, and difficult to sustain, especially in a city like Johannesburg, where January brings its own unique pressures.
A tradition older than Joburg itself
While resolutions may feel like a modern obsession, the idea dates back more than 4,000 years. The ancient Babylonians marked the New Year by making promises to their gods, pledging to repay debts and reaffirm their loyalty to the king. Keeping those promises was believed to bring divine favour.
The Romans followed suit, and even the early Christians used the turn of the year as an opportunity for reflection and renewal.
Fast-forward to today, and resolutions have become largely secular and centred on self-improvement rather than spiritual reflection. Yet despite thousands of years of practice, humans still struggle to stick to them. Studies show that while many people set resolutions, fewer than 10% maintain them for the full year.
Why resolutions often fail
According to dietitian Mbali Mapholi, most resolutions collapse because they’re driven by pressure rather than planning.
“People aim for dramatic change when what actually works is simple, sustainable progress,” she explains. “The all-or-nothing mindset is a major stumbling block. One missed gym session or one indulgent meal shouldn’t cancel out your entire effort, but for many people, it does.”
A more Joburg-friendly way to start the year
Instead of rigid resolutions, Mbali encourages South Africans, especially city-dwellers juggling busy schedules, to focus on small shifts that fit into everyday life.
“Healthy change isn’t about reinventing yourself on 1 January,” she says. “It’s about balance, consistency and making wellness enjoyable.”
Her approach for the year ahead includes:
Sustainable steps: Swap “I’ll go to the gym every day” for “I’ll move my body three times a week”. A walk through Emmarentia or a stroll around the neighbourhood counts.
Rituals, not rules: Establish gentle routines, such as starting the day with a warm cup of green tea, to create moments of calm amidst busy schedules.
Consistency over perfection: Progress comes from showing up regularly, not doing everything flawlessly.
Regular reflection: Check in monthly instead of waiting until December to assess progress.
In a city like Johannesburg, where life moves fast and pressure is constant, the most powerful resolution might simply be choosing realistic and kinder ways to care for yourself.
Whether you want to walk, hit the padel court or eat out a little healthier, we've got you covered: The 5 best padel courts in Johannesburg, The best healthy restaurants in Johannesburg, The 5 best gyms in Johannesburg, and The 7 best green spaces in Johannesburg.
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