In this episode of "Trial & Error & Error," we dive deep into the age-old tradition of New Year's resolutions. 🎉 Why do we set them? Why do we fail at keeping them? And more importantly, how can we actually make them stick? 💪

Join us as we explore the fascinating history of New Year's resolutions, from ancient Babylonian promises to the gods to modern-day gym memberships. We'll unpack the psychology behind the "fresh start effect" and discuss why temporal landmarks make us feel like we can finally get our lives together. ✨

We'll also get personal, sharing our own resolutions from 2025 and revealing what we're committing to in 2026. 📋 From finishing PhDs 🎓 to mastering pull-ups 💪, from improving finance literacy 💰 to simply being more present 🧘‍♀️—we're covering it all.

Finally, we'll share practical, tried-and-tested tips for setting realistic and achievable goals that actually align with what YOU want for your life (not what society expects from you). 🌟 Because let's be honest—the best time to start becoming your best self isn't January 1st. It's right now. ⏰

Tune in for honest reflections, research-backed insights, and a healthy dose of motivation to seize the moment and make 2026 your year! 🚀

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @tee.podcast
• New episodes every Wednesday on your favorite podcast platform 🎧

Research & Articles:

• The Fresh Start Effect: Temporal Landmarks Motivate Aspirational Behavior – Management Science journal article on how temporal milestones influence motivation and goal-setting behavior

Books Mentioned:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear – Referenced for the "make it obvious" principle and habit formation strategies

Quotes & Concepts:

• "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with" – Motivational concept popularized by Jim Rohn

Ring in the new year with us as we explore the wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful New Year's traditions from around the globe! From eating twelve grapes at midnight in Spain 🍇 to throwing plates at friends' doors in Denmark 🍽️💥, from jumping waves in Brazil 🌊 to getting booped by an onion in Greece 🧅 — this episode is packed with fascinating rituals that prove humanity knows how to celebrate.

But it's not just about the quirks. We dive deep into the why behind these traditions — exploring the anthropology, psychology, and emotional significance of New Year's celebrations. Why do we love a fresh start? What makes midnight so magical? And are resolutions even worth it anymore?

Join us for laughs, reflection, and maybe some inspiration for your own New Year's ritual. Whether you're a grape-eater, a chair-jumper, or a couch-prosecco-sipper, this episode will remind you that every tradition — no matter how strange — is really just an act of hope. 💫

Perfect for: Culture lovers 🌍, trivia enthusiasts 🤓, anyone who wants to feel globally connected as they countdown to midnight ⏰.

What you'll learn:

• Unique New Year's traditions from over 15 countries 🗺️
• The anthropology and psychology behind ritual celebrations 📚
• Why humans love symbolic fresh starts 🔄
• Fun lightning-round questions to spark your own reflection ⚡

Tune in, tag us with your traditions, and let's leap into the new year together 🎆 — same vibes, new intentions. 🎧💜

• Marking the New Year Around the World – Human Relations Area Files (Yale)
• Cosmological Renewal: An Anthropological Analysis of New Year Celebrations in the Andes as a Rite of Passage – ResearchGate
• Five New Year’s Rituals of Renewal – Sapiens.org
• New Year’s Traditions Around the World – EBSCO Research Starters

• “Unusual New Year Traditions” – Leonardo English Podcast
• “New Year Traditions & Celebrations Around the World #148” – LearnAboutPod
• “Folklore Friday: New Year’s Eve History” – Podbean
• “20 Strange New Year’s Traditions From Around the World” – YouTube

• Travel.Earth – 10 Unusual New Year’s Eve Traditions
• AFAR Magazine – 14 New Year’s Traditions From Around the World
• Oxford Summer Courses Blog – New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World
• Greenvelope.com – New Year’s Traditions

Christmas as an adult hits different. The magic is still there, but so is the stress, the spending, the family negotiations, and that nagging voice asking, "Did I do enough this year?"

In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, we're unwrapping the complicated reality of Christmas in adulthood. From the financial pressure of gift-giving to navigating family traditions across cultures and relationships, we're getting real about what makes the holidays both wonderful and overwhelming.

We discuss:

• ✨ How Christmas changes when you become the one organizing it
• 💸 The biggest holiday stressors (spoiler: money and expectations top the list)
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Juggling partner families and building your own traditions
• 🍷 Food, drink, and letting go of holiday guilt
• 📆 The end-of-year review spiral and how to survive it

Whether you're dreading December or desperately trying to keep the festive spirit alive, this episode is your survival guide to enjoying the holidays without losing your mind — or your bank account.

Tune in for honest conversations, practical tips, and a reminder that you're not alone in finding Christmas both magical and exhausting.

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Follow us on Instagram (@tee.podcast) and share your holiday survival stories — we want to hear from you!

Articles & Studies:

• American Psychological Association (2023) - Holiday Stress Survey: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/holiday-stress

Additional Resources:

• Tips for managing holiday stress and maintaining healthy eating habits during the festive season
• Strategies for budgeting and financial planning during Christmas
• Mindfulness and self-care practices for the holiday period