Using Math to Make Better New Year’s Resolutions

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, math can be an unexpected but powerful ally. Whether you want to get healthier, save money, or improve a skill, applying basic math concepts can help you set realistic goals, measure progress, and stay motivated throughout the year.

Setting Realistic Goals

Numbers make goals more concrete. Instead of saying, “I want to save more money,” use math to set a specific target like, “I want to save $5,000 this year.” Break it down further: $5,000 divided by 12 months equals approximately $417 per month. With this clear target, your resolution becomes more actionable.

Tracking Progress

Once you’ve set your goals, use math to track your progress. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, decide how many minutes per week you’d like to commit. If you aim for 150 minutes of exercise each week, you can easily check at the end of each day or week how close you are to your goal. Percentages are especially useful for visualizing progress. If you’ve saved $1,000 of your $5,000 target by March, you’re 20% of the way there.

Making Adjustments

Life happens, and sometimes resolutions need adjusting. Math helps you pivot effectively without abandoning your goals. If an unexpected expense arises and you can only save $3,000 instead of $5,000, divide the remaining amount by the months left in the year to find your new monthly saving goal.

Motivation Through Data

Numbers don’t lie, and they can be incredibly motivating. Use graphs or charts to visualize your progress. Watching a savings account balance grow or seeing your running mileage increase week by week can reinforce your efforts and encourage you to keep going.

Math in Everyday Resolutions

Even smaller resolutions can benefit from math. Want to read more books? Decide on a number, such as 24 books in a year, and calculate that you need to read two books per month. Want to improve your diet? Use math to monitor calorie intake or track how many servings of fruits and vegetables you’re eating daily.

This year, let math guide your resolutions to success. By breaking goals into measurable steps, tracking progress, and adjusting as needed, you’ll be equipped to make lasting changes. Happy New Year—and happy math planning!