We’re Halfway Through January. Have You Already Abandoned Your New Year’s Resolutions?

Every January, millions of us declare ambitious New Year’s resolutions, convinced that this is the year we’ll finally stick to them. Studies show that most people give up on their resolutions in the first few weeks of January. By February? Let’s just say the gym is much less crowded, and that daily meditation app has stopped sending you cheerful reminders.?

So, if you have already cheated on that diet or skipped that yoga class — you’re not alone! 88% of people abandon their resolutions by the second week of January. Only about 6% actually stick to their resolutions and achieve their New Year’s Goals by the end of the year!

Why do resolutions so often fail? Life gets busy. Goals are set too high. Or maybe we lack the tools to stay resilient when things don’t go according to plan. But here’s the good news: as a leader, you can approach goals — both personal and professional—with strategies that help you not just set resolutions but achieve them.

The Power of SMART Goals

One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail is that they’re vague. “Get healthier” or “Be more productive” sounds nice, but what does it actually mean? That’s where SMART Goals come in. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

For example:

• Instead of “Exercise more,” try “Go for a 30-minute walk three times a week.”
• Replace “Save money” with “Set aside $50 from each paycheck for the next six months.”
• Instead of “Less screen time,” try “no screen time after 8 pm.”?

Being specific makes your goals more explicit and provides a roadmap for success. We teach this tactic in the Crestcom L.E.A.D.R. program because clarity drives progress.

Embracing Resilience and Learning From Failure

Even with the best intentions, setbacks are inevitable. Maybe you miss a workout or indulge in an unplanned purchase. The key is not letting small failures derail your big-picture goals.

Resilience, a core leadership skill, teaches us to adapt and recover when challenges arise. As leaders, we often encourage our teams to learn from mistakes — but how often do we apply that advice to ourselves? When a resolution goes off track, use it as a chance to reflect. Ask yourself:

• What got in the way?
• How can I adjust my approach?
• Is the goal still relevant, or does it need to be redefined?

Remember, failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone toward it.

To Reach Your Goals, be a Crestcom L.E.A.D.R.?

The Crestcom L.E.A.D.R. framework (Learn, Experience, Adapt, Drive, Results) offers valuable strategies for sticking to goals:

1. Learn: Reflect on why your resolution matters. What’s the deeper purpose behind it?
2. Experience: Break down the goal into manageable steps and celebrate small wins along the way.
3. Adapt: Be flexible. If your initial plan isn’t working, pivot without guilt.
4. Drive: Stay motivated by sharing your goals with others. Accountability can be a powerful tool.
5. Results: Track your progress and reward yourself for milestones.

Maintaining Motivation?

A common reason for abandoning a resolution is losing motivation along the way. Motivation can waver, especially when the initial excitement of setting a resolution fades. Connect your goals to a larger purpose or vision to keep your drive alive. Reflect on the positive outcomes you’ll achieve and how they align with your values. Surround yourself with reminders of why you started—a vision board, a journal of progress or even a supportive community that shares your aspirations. Remember, motivation is not constant; it’s something you nurture through consistent effort and celebrating small victories along the way.

A Fresh Start Every Day

Ultimately, resolutions are about growth, not perfection. Leaders understand that progress is rarely linear, and the same is true for personal goals. Whether it’s January 1st, February 15th, or mid-July, it’s never too late to reset, refocus, and recommit.

As you tackle your resolutions this year, remember that the same principles that drive outstanding leadership — clear goals, resilience, adaptability — can help you achieve personal success. And if you’re ready to take your goal-setting (and leadership skills) to the next level, the Crestcom L.E.A.D.R. program is here to help.

Here’s to turning resolutions into results, one SMART goal at a time!