Over 90 percent young Chinese determined to be doers in new year: survey

BEIJING - A recent survey by China Youth Daily found that 92.5 percent of Chinese young people have made a New Year resolution - "to be a doer."

"Losing weight, getting in shape, developing an early-to-bed habit, finding an off-campus job and so forth, all of which I have planned for so long but failed to stick to," the newspaper quoted Xu Jing, an undergraduate studying in Shanghai, as saying.

Xu, however, is not the only one finding it is easier said than done.

The survey covered 1,977 Chinese aged between 18 to 35. Nearly 89 percent of them said in the past, their plans largely failed to become reality.

A lack of self-discipline and comfort with the status quo are considered to be the top two reasons for failing to achieve their goals, accounting for 63.3 percent and 55.7 percent of the respondents, respectively.

"To fulfill my to-do list, I am going to make clear what is important for the coming year," said Zhao Wei, a public servant from southwest China's Sichuan Province. "I'll also find some friends to be paired with so we can supervise each other in achieving these goals."

Xu Guangxing, a psychology professor with East China Normal University, suggested young people set realistic and achievable goals and avoid aiming too high.