• Reflecting on 2026 as we hit the middle of the year

New Year’s resolutions are quite popular. Yet, many often find their resolutions abandoned by the middle of the year due to plans, problems or procrastination. 

“I’m the type of person who makes New Year’s resolutions,” Lissala Perera, 22, told The Daily Morning Brunch. “I wanted to get into a more feminine energy yet I know that many people can’t be committed to goals like this.” 

Many of our readers often felt a sense of surprise at how quickly they felt the year had gone by and admitted to different and interesting thoughts about how their half-year has played out. 

Time flies 

Many of us often feel like the year rushes past us. For some, the fast pace of life, work and responsibilities have made the months blur together. Others connected the feeling to world events and the uncertainty surrounding everyday life.

“So the year in general was a very hectic year, and with the ongoing crisis and ripple effect from war, I guess the year went very fast,” a reader who wished to be anonymous said. 

A few readers shared that they had entered the year with detailed plans but quickly became distracted by unexpected situations. Financial stress, work pressure and personal responsibilities were among the most common reasons people gave for feeling disconnected from their original goals.

“I thought I would have achieved much more by now,”  Yeshani Silva, 24, said. “But somehow we are already halfway through the year and I still feel like I’m trying to deal with it.”

Others felt that social media also played a role in making time feel shorter. Constant updates and comparisons often create pressure to move faster and achieve more in a short period of time.

“I see people my age getting married and having kids like the women I see on TikTok and I often wonder when my turn is,” Perera said. “Marriage is something I aspire to this year because I am a naturally caring and compassionate person.” 

Small wins

While many people admitted to abandoning some resolutions, several also said they had learned to appreciate smaller achievements.

“I stopped focusing on huge goals,” Dineth Fernando, 20, said. “Now I just try to improve my routine because it feels more realistic.”

Mental health and balance appeared to be a growing priority among young people this year. Instead of dramatic lifestyle changes, many spoke about trying to rest more, spend time with family and avoid burnout.

“I wanted to become more productive this year,” Nethmi Jayawardena, 26, said. “But later I realised I also needed to take care of myself mentally. I think balance became more important than achievement and this is what I will continue to do from June to December.” 

These thoughts show many of us how people are beginning to redefine success. Rather than measuring progress through major milestones alone some now value consistency  and personal growth.

Changing priorities

Mid-year reflections also revealed how quickly priorities can change. Goals made in January may no longer feel important by June.

Several readers explained that their experiences throughout the year had changed their perspectives entirely.

“At the beginning of the year, I was focused on career goals,” Jayawardana said. “But after some family issues, I realised I needed to spend more time with the people around me.”

Others shared similar thoughts about relationships, health and emotional wellbeing becoming more important than material success.

For some, this change felt disappointing while for others it felt necessary.

“I think we pressure ourselves too much during New Year,” Amaara Latheef, 19, said. “People act like they have to completely transform their lives overnight but the year is just another year”

Many agreed that resolutions often fail because people set unrealistic expectations for themselves. Some felt inspired at the start of the year but struggled to maintain motivation once daily life resumed.

The pressure to constantly improve can also leave people feeling guilty when they fall behind on plans.

Still figuring it out

Despite unfinished goals and abandoned plans, many readers said they are trying not to be too hard on themselves.

“I honestly still don’t know what I’m doing,” Senuri Weerasekara, 27, said. “But I think that’s okay because everyone is figuring things out at their own pace.”

This uncertainty was something many young people related to. Questions about careers, relationships and the future continue to shape how people view their progress halfway through the year.

Some readers also pointed out that personal growth is often difficult to measure. While someone may not have completed every goal on their resolution list, they may still have become stronger, wiser or more self-aware over time.

“I didn’t achieve the things I wrote down in January,” Weerasekara said. “But I think I changed a lot as a person compared to last year.”

Looking ahead

As the second half of the year begins, many people are choosing to approach the remaining months differently.

Instead of creating strict resolutions, some readers said they want to focus on realistic habits and healthier mindsets. Others simply hope for stability, peace and happiness in the months ahead.

“There’s still time left in the year,” Latheef said. “I think people forget that just because something didn’t happen in the first six months doesn’t mean the year is over.”

Ultimately, mid-year reflections reveal that many people are experiencing similar fears and hopes. While resolutions may fade, the desire to grow and find meaning continues.