Every new year, many of us set resolutions, whether it’s to finally use that long-neglected gym membership or to be more careful with money. Yet statistics show that few manage to keep their resolutions, and most abandon them by the year’s end.
However, the Lunar New Year offers another chance at a fresh start. Sonia Samtani, founder and managing director of the Sheung Wan wellness centre All About You and a licensed clinical hypnotherapist, is one of Hong Kong’s leading mental health professionals. We spoke with her about how to create resolutions that truly stick.
Why do New Year’s resolutions often fail?
Sonia Samtani, founder and managing director of wellness centre All About You in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout
Because people try to change their behaviour instead of their behavioural patterns. Resolutions focus on what to do differently – eat better, go to the gym, speak up more – without understanding why we behave the way we do. Every behaviour is a response to something deeper; it’s linked to needs and emotions we haven’t addressed.
The Year of the Horse is about momentum and courage. How can people embrace that energy without burning out?
Burnout happens when we don’t know when to stop. The solution is boundaries. Many people link self-worth to performance, believing that doing more makes them more valuable. When you detach worth from productivity, you can push yourself intentionally without overdoing it. Boundaries let you move forward with purpose, not pressure.
What tips would you give to someone setting their New Year’s resolutions?
Sonia Samtani with a hypnotherapy client. Photo: Handout
1. Make your resolution positive. Focus on what you want rather than what you want to avoid.