03 Nov 2026

Every new year begins with a notebook full of promises: to save money, lose weight, pray more, start a business.  Psychologists call it the fresh start effect, the belief that a new calendar offers a chance to start again.

Research shows that the tradition is not new, the Babylonians, as early as 2000 B.C., made public promises during their 12-day new year festival called Akitu, celebrated mid-March at the start of the planting season. 

They pledged to the gods to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment to earn favour for the coming year.

The ancient Romans adopted similar renewal practices. When Julius Caesar reformed the calendar in 46 B.C. to establish January 1 as the start of the year, the month was named after Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions who looked backward into the past and forward into the future. 

In Botswana, like elsewhere, many set resolutions when the clock strikes midnight on January 1. 

But by October, where do those resolutions stand?

Christ International Fellowship Church’s Pastor John Ramotshabi, believes resolutions are important because they provide direction, bind oneself and help create goals to achieve within a certain period.

“Biblically, the idea of setting resolutions is not new. Although the Bible does not use the word resolution directly, the principle of making a deliberate commitment before God is seen throughout Scriptures. A clear example is in Genesis 28:18-22, where Jacob makes a vow to God at Bethel. After encountering God in a dream, Jacob responds with intentional commitment, saying that if God will be with him, then the Lord shall be his God. This shows us that a true resolution is more than a wish, it is a conscious commitment anchored in faith,” he explains.

According to him, a resolution means binding oneself to a path. 

“It helps to measure progress and to judge whether one is progressing or regressing. It means commitment and setting the path to walk on,” he says.

However, Pastor Ramotshabi cautions that failure to achieve set resolutions should not lead to frustration or discouragement. 

“Even if the resolutions you set for yourself seem not to be fulfilled, don’t let it have a negative impact, rather develop a positive spirit to reset and refocus to achieve them,” he notes.

For Mental Health and Psychosocial Support practitioner at Mumzo ProCare Health Clinic, Dr Blinkie Oteng, resolutions are personal commitments to positive change that give direction and purpose.

“The beginning of a new year offers an opportunity to reflect on past experiences, identify areas for growth and embrace fresh beginnings, commitments that promote self-awareness, personal responsibility and purposeful living,” she says.

Dr Oteng notes that such commitments often falter due to unrealistic expectations, poor planning and over-dependence on motivation.

“Financial pressures, competing responsibilities, limited support, fear of failure, procrastination and negative self-talk can also interfere with progress,” Dr Oteng explains.

The remedy lies in making resolutions SMART–Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.

“Committing to save P200 monthly, for example, is more practical than simply declaring a desire to become financially stable. Motivation may inspire the start, but discipline sustains consistency while community support provides encouragement and accountability,” she says.

She believes that failing to achieve a resolution does not make someone a failure. 

“The approach calls for self-compassion, acknowledging effort and reflecting on what prevented progress, with setbacks viewed as opportunities for learning and adjustment rather than reasons for self-condemnation,” she said.

On the ground, the reality is mixed. 

Ms Selindeni Sam, an elderly vendor from Senete who works at the Francistown bus rank, believes resolutions are important as they provide direction.

She resolved to complete her house and to plough her field. 

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, her resolutions remain far from being achieved.

“Wheeew, it was a difficult year. As the year began, I got seriously sick. I was just lying at home with nothing to do. This was a big blow to my business,” she says.

All is not lost for Ms Sam. She still believes in achieving her goals.

 “My aim still stands, to complete the house and to plough my field. I am determined to work extra hard to see these goals fulfilled,” says Ms Sam.

For Mr Johane Kesekile from Francistown, resolutions are part of life. 

Mr Kesekile says resolutions make one grow by assessing where they are going and what they want to achieve within a certain period.

He promised himself that he will sell various commodities at the Francistown bus rank at the beginning of the year. Motivated by the financial uncertainty of temporary employment, he started immediately and 10 months later, his resolution is on track.

“I am able to feed myself and my family. I am happy to be providing basic essentials. That is what I really wanted.  All I can say is that I am on the right track. Resolutions are very important as they keep you on track and motivate you to keep moving despite challenges,” he says.

For Ms Masego Motingwa, her resolution was to ensure a healthy lifestyle by joining the gym. However, things did not go as planned due to financial constraints.

“I wanted to join a gym with a P300 subscription. But as priorities shift because of finances, we prioritise provision for the household. So I didn’t manage,” she explains.

Ms Motingwa still habours a desire to keep fit and suggests forming groups to exercise around homesteads and having partners to walk together.

From the pulpit, clinic and the bus rank, the message is the same. January may write the promise, but October reveals the resilience to keep it.  Personal growth is not controlled by the calendar. 

As Batswana approach 2027, the call is not merely to have more, but to become better, with a healthy mind, peaceful relationships and purposeful living as achievements worth pursuing. ENDS