Forget Resolutions: Build Habits That Actually Stick This Year

Well, it’s that time again—the Holiday Hangover season.

You know the one:

• Hungover from the booze (hello, spiked eggnog ??).
• Hungover from the food (mashed potatoes, endless desserts ????).
• And maybe even hungover from too much socializing (family, friends, colleagues ??).

It’s no wonder that this is also the time people swear, “This year, I’m going to be a completely different person!”

But let’s be real: New Year’s resolutions don’t work.

Here’s a wild stat: 88% of people who set resolutions fail within the first 2 weeks. That’s not because they’re lazy or unmotivated. It’s because they’re focusing on the wrong thing—short-term fixes instead of long-term habits.

Why Habits Beat Resolutions

There’s no quick fix to becoming the best version of yourself. Change happens through small, healthy habits done consistently over time.

Instead of asking, “What do I want to change?” ask, “Who do I want to become?”

How to Build Healthy Habits That Stick

Here’s a simple, step-by-step framework to focus on sustainable progress instead of fleeting resolutions:

1. Define Your Future Self

Take time to write down who you want to be. For example:

• “I want to be a healthy person.”
• “I want to be well-read.”
• “I want to be someone who prioritizes self-care.”

Once you know who you’re aiming to become, you can identify the habits that align with that vision.

2. Make Your Habits Measurable

Use an app like HabitBull or a notebook to track your progress daily. Keep it simple:

• Did you exercise today? (Yes or No)
• Did you read for 5 minutes? (Yes or No)
• Did you drink enough water? (Yes or No)

Remember, it’s not about how long or how perfectly you completed the habit—it’s about showing up. Even 5 minutes counts.

3. Track Weekly and Monthly Progress

At the end of each month, calculate your average success rate. For example:

• If you exercised 3 days out of 7, that’s 3/7 or ~43%.
• Over time, aim to gradually increase that ratio.

Progress doesn’t have to be perfect. My own journey started at just 1.8/7 weekly exercises two years ago, and now I’m at 3/7 consistently. That’s far from perfect, but it’s real progress—and I feel better than ever.

4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Change doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Habits compound over time, so focus on celebrating small wins.

This Year, Let’s Build a Better You

Whether it’s health, learning, self-care, or something else entirely, make 2024 the year you stop chasing fleeting resolutions and start building lasting habits.

So, who do you want to become this year?

Wishing you a joyful, habit-based start to the new year!

Key Takeaway for Managers and Business Owners: This approach isn’t just for personal growth—it works for teams too. Encourage your staff to build small, measurable habits in their work and personal lives, and watch how progress compounds into lasting success.