Forget Resolutions: The Habit Shift That Creates Big Wins

You know that "New Year, New Me" thing? ?- -cue the eye roll - -

Big promises for the new year that barely last past February. Let’s be real: most resolutions are doomed from the start and quietly abandoned soon after. But what if we skipped resolutions altogether and focused on something that actually works?

This is the first in a four-part series exploring how to replace fleeting resolutions with habits that stick and create lasting change throughout 2025. Studies show that 80% of resolutions fail by February. Why? Because resolutions often chase outcomes instead of building the habits that make those outcomes possible.? This year, let’s do something different: let’s focus on building sustainable habits that drive consistent progress. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore how to apply these principles to different areas of life and work, one habit at a time.

Resolutions often falter because they’re built on the idea of drastic change. Ambitious goals like:

• Catching up on all the books you’ve purchased but never read
• Sticking to a strict workout routine and hitting the gym a set number of days per week
• Planning and cooking healthy meals instead of eating out
• Saving a fixed amount of money every month to hit financial goals
• Doubling revenue by landing more clients and closing bigger deals

These goals sound exciting at first but often lack the structure needed for long-term success. Real change doesn’t come from a single grand decision; it’s the result of small, intentional actions repeated consistently over time.

I’ve experienced this myself. I once resolved to finally read a book that I knew would help me grow—whether in business, personal development, or spiritual study. But months passed, and the book sat partially read or untouched. Then I made a small but meaningful shift: instead of focusing on finishing the book, I committed to reading just 10 pages a day or spending 20 minutes at a time. Each time I sat down, I’d think, “I can handle this small step.” That mindset made all the difference. Slowly but surely, I made progress. What once felt overwhelming became manageable. Often, sitting down to read for just ten pages or 20 minutes allowed me to keep going because once I got started, momentum took over. It’s like tackling a messy closet—overwhelming at first, but when you start with one shelf or one drawer, progress builds quickly. Goals work the same way.

This principle applies to all areas of life. Resolutions tend to fixate on outcomes, like finishing the book or doubling your revenue. But outcomes are the byproduct of consistent processes, not grand declarations. Shifting your focus to process-based habits can be a game-changer. For instance, instead of “Read 50 books this year,” try, “Read 10 pages every day.” Instead of “Double my revenue,” aim for “Reach out to three new clients every week.” These small, actionable habits build momentum and prevent overwhelm.

One powerful tool to stay consistent is the use of streaks. Streaks create a sense of accomplishment and make even the smallest actions meaningful. By tracking how many consecutive days you perform a habit—no matter how small—you reinforce consistency and stay motivated. For example, those looking to get outside more and incorporate fresh air into their routine, start with a two-minute walk to the mailbox every day. Before long, that two-minute walk might turn into 10 minutes, then a mile, and eventually two or three miles. In fact, research shows that small, consistent efforts are far more effective at creating long-term change than sporadic bursts of effort. The beauty of streaks is that they focus on showing up rather than perfection, allowing small efforts to compound over time.

Another strategy to make habits stick is anchoring them to existing routines, a technique known as habit stacking. For instance, after brewing your morning coffee, you could spend five minutes journaling or reviewing your goals for the day. By tying a new habit to something you already do, you reduce the friction of getting started and make the habit feel more natural. This simple adjustment can have a profound impact on your daily rhythm and helps you start your day with intention.

It’s also important to reflect on your progress. Take a moment at the end of each week to review your wins, no matter how small. Did you stick to your reading habit? Did you make time for that two-minute walk? Celebrating these micro-successes keeps you motivated and reinforces the idea that progress is always happening.

The key to success isn’t perfection; it’s showing up consistently and letting those small actions add up over time. So, what’s one small habit you’ll start today? Will you pick up that book and commit to 10 pages, or lace up your shoes for a short walk? Let’s build something great together—one step, one page, one walk at a time. Share your small habit in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re starting 2025 strong! And don’t forget to check back next week as we dive into how small actions create big wins and build the momentum you need for long-term success.