The History of Making New Years Resolutions
mystic • January 14, 2021
4000 years is a long time to prepare to get started!
“New year, new me”, or so the saying goes. Each new year brings with it a wave of self-improvement and healthy-habit changing in order to make this year better than the previous. While the new year gives you an excuse to start your new calendar, why do we set resolutions every year, even if many fade away within months of the goal setting? New Year's Resolutions may seem like a modern development, but the history of the “new year, new me” mentality stems from near pre-history.
The first recorded New Year’s resolutions began cropping up in ancient Babylon where, at the beginning of each sowing season, a celebration would be held in honor of what the civilization saw as the new year. Their 12-day festival, known as Akitu, would signal not only an opportunity to appoint a new king, but an opportunity to every citizen to set resolutions for the coming year. These resolutions were backed by the belief that, if they adhered to the goals they set, their gods would positively reward them. If an individual failed to meet their goals, their favor from the gods would decrease in a way which could only be repaired by the coming year’s resolutions.
The New Year date as we know it was established in ancient Rome by Julius Caesar who set the beginning of the year January 1st, in honor of the Roman god Janus. This two-faced god was believed to look both forward to the future and backward into the previous year. Should the Romans set and adhere to their goals, much like the Babylonians, the gods would be pleased.
What many people practice as New Year’s celebrations in modern times was more or less established by the founder of the Methodist Church in 1740. John Wesley established the precursor to watch night services, the covenant renewal service. Held on New Year’s Eve or Day, the covenant renewal service was designed to reaffirm one’s convictions to God, reestablish the presence of scripture in one’s life for the new year, and help set positive goals which were favored by God. Despite the tradition’s methodist roots, many churches now practice watch night services around the New Year’s holiday in order to do many of the same things that clergyman Wesley sought to do nearly 300 years ago.
The New Year as we know it has many ties to the more religiously-oriented days of yore, but remains a largely secular observance in the current era. Despite many resolutions losing their godly connotations, nearly 50% of Americans set new year’s resolutions for themselves for the sake of personal betterment. Many resolutions have evolved into weight loss or fitness goals, but more pious goals which remain popular include learning a new hobby, spending more time with family and friends, and ridding oneself of bad habits. Despite these good intentions and generations of practice, only about 8% of Americans report adhering to their goals for the entirety of the new year.
No matter your dedication to a new year’s resolution, each New Year’s holiday brings an opportunity to reflect and grow into your best self. As we move through the month of January and beyond, if you’re feeling that conviction to your resolution slip, remember you have 4,000 years of ancestors cheering you on.
When it comes to insurance, it’s tempting to shop around for the lowest price — after all, who doesn’t want to save a few dollars each month? But insurance isn’t like buying a gallon of gas or a cup of coffee. The cheapest policy might save you a little upfront, but it can cost you much more in the long run. Coverage limits, exclusions, and customer service vary greatly from one company to another, and a bargain policy may leave you uncovered when you need it most. A good insurance policy should give you peace of mind, not just a smaller bill. That means choosing a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs — your home, your car, your lifestyle, and your risks. A knowledgeable local agent can help you understand what’s included (and what’s not) so you don’t find out the hard way after a claim. At Wallin Insurance, we take the time to make sure you’re properly protected, not just “barely covered.” Another key difference between cheap insurance and the right insurance is service. When something goes wrong — whether it’s a fender bender or storm damage to your home — you want a team that answers the phone, knows your name, and helps you through every step. As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers to find the right fit for your budget and your coverage needs. We’re also your advocate when it’s time to file a claim, not just a voice on the other end of a 1-800 number. At the end of the day, buying insurance isn’t about finding the lowest price — it’s about finding the right protection and a trusted partner. At Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business who’s here to help you make confident, informed decisions so you’re covered when it matters most.
When it comes to protecting your home, car, or business, the coverage you choose is important—but so is the person behind it. Buying insurance locally isn’t just about convenience; it’s about building a relationship with someone who truly understands your needs. At Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business, and here’s why choosing a local agent matters. 1. Personalized Service You Can Count On A local agent knows the community and the unique risks that come with it. At Wallin Insurance, we take the time to get to know our clients personally—understanding your lifestyle, your priorities, and your concerns—so we can recommend coverage that fits your life. When questions arise or claims need attention, you can call us directly and speak to someone who knows you, not just a faceless hotline. 2. Quick and Easy Claims Assistance When the unexpected happens, speed matters. Our local agents guide you through the claims process quickly and efficiently, helping you get back on your feet without unnecessary stress. Being right here in your community means we’re invested in helping our neighbors—our clients—every step of the way. 3. Support Local Businesses and Give Back Working with Wallin Insurance means supporting a local business that actively gives back. We proudly support a variety of charities, including delivering Meals on Wheels to community members in need. Choosing us isn’t just about insurance—it’s about contributing to a stronger, more caring community. 4. Tailored Advice You Can Trust We don’t just sell policies—we build relationships. At Wallin Insurance, we help you understand your options, identify discounts you may not know about, and make sure you have the right coverage for your specific situation. That personal guidance is something you won’t get from a big online insurer. 5. Peace of Mind Knowing there’s a friendly, familiar face to turn to when life throws the unexpected your way is invaluable. With Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business—someone who truly cares about protecting your home, family, and future. Final Thoughts Insurance is more than just a policy—it’s protection for what matters most. Choosing Wallin Insurance means personalized service, faster claims help, and the confidence of working with someone who genuinely cares about you and our community. And remember, with Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business.
Why You Should Bundle Your Home and Auto Insurance When it comes to protecting the things that matter most, like your home and your vehicle, having the right insurance coverage is key. But did you know that combining your home and auto policies with the same insurance company can provide significant benefits? Bundling is one of the easiest ways to save money and simplify your insurance experience, all while ensuring you have strong protection in place. One of the biggest advantages of bundling is the potential for cost savings. Many insurance companies offer discounts when you purchase multiple policies through them. These savings can add up quickly, making it a budget-friendly way to secure the coverage you need. Plus, it’s a smart financial move to maximize value without sacrificing quality protection. Bundling also adds convenience. Instead of juggling multiple policies, payments, and renewal dates with different companies or agents, everything is streamlined. This makes managing your coverage easier and less stressful, especially when it comes to filing a claim. With just one agency handling your policies, you’ll also have a single point of contact for questions or assistance, saving you time and frustration. Lastly, bundling can help ensure better coverage coordination. When one insurance agency oversees your insurance portfolio, they can identify gaps or overlaps in your protection. This holistic approach helps ensure that you’re fully covered in the event of an accident, natural disaster, or other unexpected event. At an independent insurance agency, we can compare multiple carriers to find the best bundling options for your unique needs, giving you peace of mind and the best possible value.
We Have a Mural to Prove It
Auto insurance companies are facing unprecedented rate increases due to inflation and the increasing cost of repairs. One of the most simple ways to assure your auto insurance rate is providing the best value is to take a defensive driving course - which is available to you online ! For residents of New York, the Improv Traffic School is currently offering their top-rated, fully-online defensive driving course for under $30, making it easier and more affordable than ever to both become a better driver, and save on auto insurance premiums. Some benefits of taking the course include: A guaranteed reduction of up to 10% on insurance rates - The certificate is recognized by all New York State auto insurance companies. Reduction in points on your license - For people with points attached to their driving record, the Defensive Driving Course can help eliminate those marks on your driving history. A fully online learning environment - The course can be completed from the comfort of your own home, with an instant awarding of your certificate upon completion. No final exam - Anxious test-takers, worry not. The Improv School’s course is content-oriented, making the focus more about taking in information than being able to reiterate the contents of the class. The course is designed to benefit you. If your defensive driving certificate is near its expiration date, now is the perfect time to renew without going out of your way. For folks who have previously completed a Defensive Driving Course, the Improv School also offers a 3 Year Renewal Course in order for you to retain your discount. If an online course does not sound like the right choice for you, there is a classroom-style Defensive Driving Course for your consideration. The classroom-based course offers all of the same benefits as the online equivalent, including the reduction of up to 10% on your insurance rates. Whether you’ve been seeking a way to lower your premiums, or simply desire to improve your driving habits, learning more about defensive driving strategies is a simple and efficient way to start.
Updating your roof might save you money on your insurance
So your teenager is getting their drivers license? Congratulations! Sort of...
The Independent Agent is your best option
Take Care This Winter!
Watch out for Deer in the Autumn Months
