Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick: Lessons from 'Own the Day, Own Your Life'

New Year’s resolutions are not new. They actually began with Babylonian traditions around 2000 BCE. The earliest recorded New Year’s celebrations took place in Babylon about 4,000 years ago. Their new year, celebrated in March during the spring planting season, involved a 12-day festival called Akitu. During this time, Babylonians made promises to their gods, such as repaying debts or returning borrowed items, to secure favor for the coming year.

Later, the Romans popularized their own version of New Year’s resolutions. In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, establishing January 1 as the start of the new year. January was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, and transitions. Janus, depicted with two faces looking to the past and the future, symbolized reflection and forward-thinking. Romans offered sacrifices to Janus and made promises of good conduct for the coming year.

From Caesar’s time to the present, many of us start the new year with promises we make to ourselves. Whether it’s eating healthier, losing weight, being more disciplined, showing more compassion, expressing gratitude more often, or practicing patience, the list of desired changes is endless. However, maintaining these resolutions becomes increasingly difficult as each day passes.

One way to institute lasting change is by developing a better routine—something we feel comfortable doing consistently. "Own the Day, Own Your Life" by Aubrey Marcus is a bestselling book that provides a practical guide to optimizing daily habits for better health, productivity, and overall well-being. Marcus, the founder of Onnit, focuses on building a daily routine designed to improve physical, mental, and emotional health.

Here are some key principles from the book:

Start Your Day Right:

• Begin with hydration (a mix of water, sea salt, and lemon).

• Incorporate light exposure and movement early in the day to wake up your body.

Optimize Nutrition:

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods.

• Use intermittent fasting or meal timing to improve energy levels and metabolism.

Move and Exercise:

• Incorporate natural movement throughout your day.

• Engage in workouts that align with your body’s needs and goals.

Harness Your Mind:

• Practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress.

• Use breathwork techniques to enhance focus and relaxation.

Leverage Rest and Recovery:

• Prioritize quality sleep by creating an optimal sleep environment.

• Include short naps and moments of rest to recharge.

Build Meaningful Connections:

• Cultivate authentic relationships.

• Invest time in activities that bring joy and purpose.

Be Present and Intentional:

• Focus on one task at a time to maximize efficiency.

• Set clear intentions for the day to align actions with goals.

Marcus’s book blends modern science, ancient wisdom, and personal experiences, offering a comprehensive approach to creating a day that supports long-term vitality and happiness. If you’re looking to transform your daily habits and improve your overall quality of life, this book serves as a hands-on manual.

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