Award-winning cartoonist Tom Gauld has once again captured a universal truth with his signature wit, this time turning his pen to the annual struggle of New Year's resolutions. His latest single-panel cartoon, published by The Guardian on Sunday 18 January 2026, offers a humorous yet painfully accurate glimpse into the lofty ambitions and inevitable pitfalls of self-improvement promises made as a new year dawns.
The Art of Observational Humour
Tom Gauld, renowned for his weekly cartoons in The Guardian and his acclaimed graphic novels, employs his distinctive minimalist style to profound comic effect. The cartoon does not rely on complex scenes or dialogue but instead uses a simple, relatable premise to evoke both a chuckle and a wince of recognition from the viewer. It taps into the shared cultural experience of January, a month brimming with optimism for personal change, which often gives way to frustration by February.
The genius of Gauld's work lies in its accessibility. The illustration speaks directly to anyone who has ever ambitiously vowed to read more classics, learn a new language, or finally master a difficult skill, only to find reality—and old habits—quickly reasserting themselves. His clean lines and understated characters become a mirror for the audience's own experiences.
Why Resolutions Are So Notoriously Hard to Keep
While Gauld's cartoon delivers its message through humour, it subtly highlights well-documented psychological patterns. Behavioural scientists often point to the 'false hope syndrome' associated with resolutions, where individuals set goals that are unrealistically ambitious or vaguely defined. The sudden shift from holiday indulgence to strict discipline creates a shock to the system that is difficult to maintain.
Furthermore, the social pressure to set a resolution at the turn of the year can lead to choices that don't align with a person's genuine motivations, making them easier to abandon. Gauld's art perfectly encapsulates this moment of ambitious planning followed by the creeping realisation of the effort required.
A Staple of Guardian Culture
This cartoon continues Tom Gauld's long-standing and beloved collaboration with The Guardian's culture pages. His weekly contributions have become a fixture for readers, offering a sharp, intellectual, and often bookish take on modern life. The placement of this piece in January is a timely tradition, providing a moment of shared, gentle self-reflection for the newspaper's audience.
Gauld's work transcends mere comedy; it serves as a cultural commentary. By focusing on the perennial theme of difficult New Year's resolutions, he connects with a wide readership, reminding them that the struggle for self-betterment is a common, human journey—and that it's okay to find it funny when we stumble.
In an era of constant self-optimisation, Gauld's cartoon offers a welcome dose of levity and solidarity. It suggests that perhaps the healthiest resolution of all is to approach our goals with a sense of humour and self-compassion, acknowledging the difficulty while still gently aspiring to be better.
