POLOKWANE – Do New Year’s resolutions actually work?

According to Nyiko Masango, a personal trainer and life coach, the answer is both yes and no. While resolutions can be effective, many fail because they are driven by fleeting excitement rather than genuine intent.

“In January, everyone is hyped up—it’s mostly external pressure,” says Masango.

“When clients come to me with weight-loss goals at the start of the year, the first thing I do is sit down with them to understand why they want to lose weight. Those chasing a ‘summer body’ often lose focus because their goals lack sustainability.”

Masango highlights that people who succeed with resolutions are usually those who don’t wait for the new year to make changes.

“If you had a serious health condition threatening your life, would you wait until January to start treatment? No, you’d begin immediately,” he says.

For meaningful and lasting change, Masango advises that timing is irrelevant.

Instead, focus on your purpose and act without delay.

“The most successful individuals are those who recognize the urgency of their goals and take steps immediately, not those who procrastinate for a symbolic date,” he adds.

The key takeaway? Resolutions are only as strong as the mindset behind them. True transformation doesn’t depend on a calendar—it depends on commitment.