What Over 1,000 Success Stories Teach Us About Making Resolutions Stick

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with more than 10,000 people, most of them high-achieving business leaders who are used to tackling problems head-on.

They’re driven, resourceful, and thrive in the face of professional challenges.

Yet, when it comes to personal health and fitness, many find themselves stuck in the same cycle: big ambitions, short-lived enthusiasm, and a slow fade into old habits.

So, what separates the rare few who actually stick to their resolutions from those who don’t?

It’s not about willpower.

It’s not even about time (though that’s the excuse most people lean on).

It’s about creating a foundation for lasting change, a foundation I’ve seen repeated in every success story.

It’s Not the Goal. It’s the Process.

I remember one client, let’s call him John.

John was the CEO of a successful company and a father of four.

He approached me one December, determined to “finally get healthy.”

His New Year’s resolution was ambitious: lose 50 pounds, run a marathon, and overhaul his diet, all while juggling a relentless work schedule.

Fast forward to January 15th: John was exhausted, frustrated, and ready to quit.

He was so focused on the outcome that he overlooked the importance of the process.

When we sat down to reassess, I asked him a simple question:

"What’s one small thing you can do every day that feels manageable, no matter how chaotic your schedule gets?"

Walk for 10 minutes after dinner.

That 10-minute walk became the cornerstone of his transformation.

It gave him momentum.

It proved to him that he could prioritize his health without sacrificing everything else.

By the end of the year, he hit his 50-pound weight loss goal and, more importantly, he built habits that became second nature, long after the resolution buzz had faded.

One thing I’ve learned from coaching so many people is that momentum is everything.

Small wins lead to bigger wins, and before you know it, those “resolutions” aren’t resolutions anymore.

They’re part of who you are.

The most successful people I’ve worked with don’t rely on motivation (because let’s face it, motivation is fleeting).

They create systems that make success inevitable.

They don’t focus on what they’re giving up; they focus on what they’re gaining.

What’s Your Story Going to Be?

Imagine yourself a year from now... not making the same resolution for the third or fourth time, but living the results of one that stuck.

You’re healthier.

You’re more present.

You’re thriving, not just surviving.

That’s what’s possible when you focus on building habits instead of chasing quick fixes.

So, as you think about your goals for this year, ask yourself:

• What’s one small change I can commit to today?
• How can I tie this goal to something that truly matters to me?
• Who can support me along the way?

?? What’s one resolution you’re ready to make stick this year? Let me know below, I’d love to hear your story.

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