Acharya Prashant discusses the nature of New Year's resolutions and why they often fail. He begins by observing that people make resolutions, move towards them resolutely, and then they are gone. This is not a new phenomenon; resolutions made at the start of the year typically last only two to four days, or at most, twelve to fourteen days, before they evaporate. The speaker then delves into the origin of our choices. We usually believe our choices are an expression of our individuality and that the freedom of choice is a vital part of our freedom. However, he argues that our choices are actually a result of our environment. This is why choices are so radically different across various environments. This presents a contradiction: if choices come from the environment, how can there be freedom in them? We enjoy making choices because they give us the illusion of power, making it seem like our life is moving according to our will. The environment tells us to make a New Year's resolution, and later, it tells us to forget it. The fundamental reason for this failure is the lack of a stable center within us, something that is beyond time and situations. Time changes everything, and without a timeless anchor, we are merely playthings in the hands of situations. We need to find something that holds and will never fall apart. Unless one finds that timeless form, one will be tossed around by the dreams, fancies, and vicissitudes of all that is external. The secret to keeping a resolution is to have such a firm understanding of who you are and what is right for you that there is no question of indecision or distraction, as no other options are left. Like a thirsty person rushing straight to water, you cannot be stopped or tempted by anything else. Ultimately, the speaker suggests that the only real resolution is to be free. Individuality is not about making conditioned choices but about regaining an innocent mind, cleaning it to such an extent that the crystal shines again. When you do not act from this inner center, you are just a slave of influences and the environment, not an individual. The mind is continuously gathering dust from conditioning, but it can be cleaned at any time. To achieve this, one must look at the entire quality of their mind, as it is the ground from which all decisions and confusions arise. When you start knowing yourself, the need to decide reduces because confusion diminishes. Not knowing your own mind and life is an unforgivable state. The more clarity you have, the less scope there will be for indecision and subsequent distraction.