Why January’s Resolutions Stress Out So Many Wyomingites

Many people are taking advantage of the new 2026 calendar to use the month of January to detox themselves or get started on the new year, wrangling their finances and health.

In Wyoming, we're already tired of hearing about it. 2/3 of Wyomingites, which is just over 300,000 adults, say their mental health takes a hit from all of the pressure of improving themselves.

I can say that I'm one of those people. A long time ago, I threw the idea of resolutions out the window, but it seems not everyone is like that. They think that because the calendar is different, they're going to be different. Sure, some people strive to do it, but that's a lot of pressure.

Dry January, Veganuary, Financuary, and any other "clever" use of combining a word with January are all supposed to be an inspiration to help you start fresh and with a clean slate. Instead, the pressure drives people deeper into a dark state of mind.

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Nearly 44% say January encourages unrealistic standards around productivity and self-control, setting people up to feel behind before they have found their footing.

When asked where the pressure hits hardest, respondents pointed to:

Financial management (38%) — from budgeting resets to debt-clearing promises.
Fitness and weight loss (32%) — often amplified by social media and marketing.
Career progression (16%).
Productivity and organization (10%).
Diet and nutrition (4%).

When I dropped the idea of resolutions, I changed to making goals, and that really took the pressure off.