With 2022 nearly upon us, so, too, is the tradition of the New Year’s resolution. Merriam-Webster defines the New Year’s resolution as “a promise to do something differently in the new year.” I would argue that, in practice, the resolution is less of a promise and more of a hope or intention.

My resolution for 2021 was to read 20 books by year’s end. I failed. I could blame my kids, work, other hobbies, but honestly, I blame my phone. In my defense, I was in good company as a flopped resolver; less than half of New Year’s resolutions are estimated to be successful.

An estimated...