Why New Year's Resolutions Fail (And 10 Tips to Make Yours Stick!)

Happy New Year!

As we step into the new year, it's common to feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

We list down all the things we want to achieve, change, or improve.?

But there's a problem – most New Year's resolutions don't work.?

Why??

Because they often lack a critical element: a realistic plan and system.

Let's change that narrative – starting right now!

Instead of just making resolutions, let's make plans. Plans that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.?

Here's how you can turn your resolutions into reality:

1: Set Specific Goals

Vague goals lead to vague results. Specificity is your roadmap in the journey of goal accomplishment.?

If your objective is to lose weight, determine exactly how many pounds you want to lose and in what time frame. If you're aiming to get more clients and increase your income, decide on the exact amount and the deadline for achieving it.?

This precision enables you to craft a realistic and focused plan.?

Specific goals also offer a clear measure of success, allowing you to celebrate the victories along the way. Remember, the more precise the goal, the clearer the path to achieving it.

2: Break It Down

Large goals can be intimidating and can lead to procrastination or overwhelm. The antidote is breaking these larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks or milestones.?

If getting 12 new clients is your goal, break it down into getting 1 new client per month.

If writing a book is your goal, break it into writing a certain number of words or pages each day or week.?

It’s like running a marathon. You don’t start training for it by running a full marathon … first you need to train with shorter runs and work your way up.

This approach not only makes the goal more approachable but also offers a series of achievable victories, keeping your motivation high.

3: Create a Timeline

Time is the backbone of goal setting. By assigning a specific timeline or deadline to your tasks and overall goal, you create a sense of urgency and commitment.?

A timeline acts as a personal accountability partner nudging you forward. It helps in planning your daily or weekly tasks and in prioritizing your work.?

Just ensure that your timeline is realistic and flexible enough to accommodate life's unpredictability while still challenging you to move forward.

4: Track Your Progress

There’s a famous saying that goes: What gets measured, gets managed.?

Regularly tracking your progress helps you understand what's working and what's not. This process involves not just celebrating the progress but also revisiting and revising strategies that aren't working.?

Use tools like journals, apps, or spreadsheets to keep track of your progress.?

Seeing how far you've come can be a huge motivator, and understanding the roadblocks can help you navigate them more effectively.

5: Find Your Why

Your 'why' is the driving force behind your goals. It's the deep-rooted reason that keeps you going when the going gets tough. Whether it's to improve your health, provide for your family, or achieve personal growth, this intrinsic motivation is what will push you to continue even when external rewards are not immediate. Regularly remind yourself of why you started and envision the satisfaction and benefits of achieving your goal.

6: Anticipate Obstacles

Understanding potential obstacles allows you to prepare strategies to overcome them.?

If you tend to lose motivation without immediate results, find ways to celebrate small wins. If life's chaos often disrupts your plans, think ahead about flexible routines or support systems you can rely on.?

Anticipating challenges doesn't mean dwelling on the negative; it means being prepared and resilient.

7: Don’t Do It Alone

The journey is more enjoyable and feasible with support. Share your goals with friends or family who will encourage and hold you accountable.?

Engage with coaching or mastermind groups that align with your goals (more on how you can connect with my coaching group in a minute!).

Mentors and coaches can provide guidance based on their experience and success. Participating in communities offers not just support but also valuable learning from others' experiences.?

Remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a strategy for success.

8: Embrace Self-Compassion

Kindness starts with you. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of any journey towards growth. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend in your situation.?

Use setbacks as learning opportunities and remember that progress is rarely linear.?

Self-compassion fosters resilience, enabling you to bounce back and continue pursuing your goals.

9: Celebrate Progress

Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step towards your goal.?

Celebrating these victories boosts morale and motivation. Set up a reward system for reaching milestones or simply take a moment to acknowledge and reflect on the progress made.?

Celebrating progress keeps the journey enjoyable and motivating.

10: Reevaluate and Adjust

Your path to your goal is not set in stone. Life changes, and so might your goals or the strategies you use to achieve them. Regularly take stock of your progress and the relevance of your goals.?

Be prepared to adjust your plans, strategies, or even your end goals as necessary. Flexibility and adaptability are key components of sustained success.

As you embark on your 2024 journey, remember that the key to making your resolutions work is not just in setting them but in following through with a well-thought-out plan.?

Are you ready to make this the year your New Year's resolutions finally stick? If so, then I can’t wait to hear about all your successes.

Because with intention, dedication, and the right strategies in place, you can turn your dreams into reality.

With all the love in my heart,

Christian

ps. Want more tips and support to make your 2024 resolutions work? Join my free Coach Club Facebook group here .

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