Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
At the start of the year, many people in Bulawayo and across the globe made New Year’s resolutions, promising that this year was going to be different—an opportunity for personal growth, achieving goals, and transforming their lives.
As the year now enters its final stretch with 99 days left, the question lingers: Have we fulfilled those resolutions? Are we on track, or have those promises fallen by the wayside as daily life took over?
New Year’s resolutions often stem from a desire for self-improvement. Research suggests that about 40% of people make resolutions at the beginning of the year, with common goals including losing weight, improving finances, or starting new habits like exercising regularly . However, a study by Norcross and Vangarelli (1989) found that while about 77% of people stick to their resolutions for one week, only 19% achieve long-term success.
The case is no different in Bulawayo. Many residents made goals at the start of 2024, but interviews reveal a mix of both progress and disappointment.
Twenty-nine-year-old Rudo Moyo, a teacher based in Mzilikazi, reflects on her year so far:
“At the beginning of the year, I told myself I was going to focus on my mental health and fitness. I started well—joined a gym, ate better—but as the months went by, the gym became a distant memory.”
Rudo shares that her hectic work schedule and family responsibilities took priority, leaving her little time for self-care.
On the other hand, Blessing Sibanda, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Nkulumane, is happy with his progress:
“I made a resolution to expand my business and explore online markets. While it hasn’t been easy, I’ve managed to get new clients through social media and even explored Shein runners for my clothing business,” he says, referring to the increasing use of online platforms in Bulawayo.
In Bulawayo, the tough economic conditions and societal factors play a huge role in the success or failure of resolutions. The cost of living continues to rise, with inflation driving up prices of basic goods. People started the year intending to save money or invest in a business, but the economic climate derailed those goals.
“Financial resolutions are tough to stick to in our context,” says financial advisor Thabo Ngwenya.
“When the price of Mazoe Orange Crush jumps from 80 ZiG to 120 ZiG in a few months, it’s hard to budget. People end up focusing on survival rather than long-term goals.”
The statistics back this up. According to a survey by Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (ZimStat), inflation increased by 6.4% between April and June 2024, with prices of essential commodities driving the spike. This makes it difficult for citizens to fulfill financial resolutions like saving money or paying off debts.
Psychologist Dr. Nokuthula Ncube believes that resilience plays a crucial role in whether individuals meet their resolutions.
“People need to adjust their goals as the year progresses. It’s important not to view resolutions as fixed targets. Life happens, and when challenges arise—be it economic or personal—adapting your goals while staying focused on the bigger picture can help maintain momentum,” Dr. Ncube suggests.
She highlights that most individuals experience a drop in motivation after the first quarter of the year.
Studies show that by March, 80% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions . Dr. Ncube adds that the stress of Zimbabwe’s economic situation further exacerbates this decline.
With just 99 days left, some might feel there’s no time left to make good on their resolutions. However, others see this as a final chance to realign their focus. Business coach Tapiwa Sibanda encourages people not to lose hope:
“Yes, the year is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to achieve something. Break your big goals into smaller tasks and focus on what you can realistically do in the next three months.”
For those in Bulawayo who made resolutions, whether they were health-focused, financial, or personal, the remainder of the year offers a chance for self-reflection and renewed effort.
As we approach the final stretch of 2024, the key takeaway is that while life may not always go as planned, there is still time to finish the year strong. It may not be the ‘perfect year’ many envisioned, but with resilience, adaptability, and focused effort, some goals are still within reach.
The question now is not whether the year has gone as planned, but whether individuals can make the most of the days left to realize their aspirations, however modified they may now be.
Zim GBC News©2024