Ever wonder why majority of the new year resolutions fail? Or maybe you were oblivious of that bleak fact, and in that case, I’m sorry to be the bearer of this news.
According to the US News & World Report, about 80% of resolutions will fail at some point, some as early as February. So good news, it’s not just you, but bad news, does this mean that most of us are doomed for failure? Not quite, here are some reasons why resolutions fail and what you can do to improve your odds of success.
Why now?
Why not? I know that we are a little over a week into February, so what the hell am I doing writing about resolutions? Well, I got quite inspired today when I was pacing about in the living room, still in my robe almost 5 hours after waking up. Within my sight are countless scrap papers, notes, notebooks and planners scattered around our house.
You see, I was a little delusional to think that having a fancy planner will solve all my problems and improve my life and make everything organized and perfect. I buy countless of adorable notebooks for all the brilliant ideas, plans, and affirmations I will have this year that will surely change my life for the better. I even made lists and planned on purging my life with the unnecessary possessions that does not give me joy. I’m sorry Marie Kondo for dragging your name into this, but it just did not work out for me. I wanna keep all the things!
Also, this is about the time when resolutions start to fall out. So here’s a gentle reminder to get back to it. I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery for a long time now, but it really hasn’t been consistent. This will be the year I will go for the life I’ve always wanted to have. Start my own business and grow as an individual. I do not plan to achieve all of it this year, but I at least have to start. None of it means anything if they just stay written down on a piece of paper.
So here’s the game plan. You and I are both going through this list and implement the actions listed. You will thank me comes December. Okay? Great.
Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Fail and What You Can Do To Ensure Success
You’re Doing Too Much
I know a lot of us thrive in being “extra,” but it just does not work in this case. We live in a world where we see being busy as a good thing, but let me tell you, you can be busy but not be productive. We think that the more we have written down on this list, the more accomplish we will feel once we achieve everything we set out to do. But guess what happens? Nothing. Nothing will happen, because you will get overwhelmed by everything and give up eventually. So now you feel defeated with low self esteem, struggling to build up that motivation, and next thing you know, it’s the end of the year and you’ll mutter to yourself that next year will be your year.
What you should do instead:
Go back and go through that resolutions list you made. This time, really ask yourself, “How realistic are these goals to where I am in my life at this moment?” Go on, it’s just you having a heart to heart with yourself, so be brutally honest. Remove things that really just doesn’t align with your biggest goal for that year. For example, if your goal is to get your business set up and running this year, you can learn Spanish, climb Mt. Everest or bathe with elephants in Thailand another time. Learning to set your priorities is gonna get you closer to that goal.
Your List is Too Generic
If you had to Google what you should put on your resolutions list, I know, you told yourself it’s just for “inspiration,” just stop. Tear up that piece of paper (with conviction!) and grab a new clean sheet to start over with. See, if you never had a specific goal in your mind in the first place, it was never something you wanted bad enough. You’ll never have enough desire to fuel that motivation to get it done and you will fail. Why? Because that goal is not for you, it was meant for someone else. Sorry not sorry for calling you out.
What you should do instead
Get Specific. Like really really specific. Don’t just write “Be more active” or “Eat better.” Instead, write out “I will exercise for an hour 3 times a week.” or “I will meal prep every Sundays and Thursdays.”
So now, go through each item on your list and if they are not specific enough. Cross it out and rewrite it in a way that is more measurable or tangible.
No Real Plan or Strategy
This is a big one. It’s not enough to write it out and post it on social media. That list will stay collecting dust if you never develop a strategy to get where you want to be. Having an action plan will allow for you to have a road map to that end goal. It’s like trying to get to a new place without directions or a map, you might get there eventually, but not without challenges, like getting lost along the way. Or worse, never getting there at all.
What you should do instead
Plan, implement, and follow up. With the last step, expand on it by writing out steps on how to achieve that specific goal. For instance, if your specific goal is “Exercise three times a week,” plan out how you will get that task done. Will you do it before work or after work? Which days will you do your exercises? What specific exercises will you do on those days. When you break down a big goal into small actionable steps, it get less overwhelming.
Be Accountable
I know, trust me, that making big life changes is never easy and sometimes life gets in the way. It’s okay, it takes a lot of dedication to make changes that will truly change our lives. It is very important that we are always reminded on why we set up these goals in the first place. Resolutions fail because of lack of commitment. The idea is to do it enough times that it turns your old bad habits into more productive ones.
I hope this gives a little more clarity on how to get you closer to your goal.
You can download my 2020 Resolution Success Printable for FREE.
How to Use: Fill out each section and be as specific as you can. Read through this sheet every morning before you start your day so that you are constantly reminded of your goals and try to incorporate activities to your day that will help you move closer towards a particular goal . They say out of sight, out of mind. So utilize this paper along with your other resources to ensure success.
| Black & White | Color Version |
2020 Resolution SuccessSend download link to: |
2020 Resolution Success ColorSend download link to: |
I’m rooting for you! Good luck!
Tampa blogger that loves to try new things! Loves to write about experiences that make her happy hoping to inspire others to find their own bliss.
#Floridablogger
Lori Bosworth
I agree that if you have too many goals listed, they will appear overwhelming. It’s better to focus on, say, three goals only.
Kristine Nicole Alessandra
Those printables are useful for people who often times lose track pf their goals. Very motivational too, because you list down your successes, instead of just “plans.”
Komal
I agree! They always fail. I believe in settting mini, attainable goals with deadlines and have someone hold you accountable or hold yourself accountable
Morgan @ Baby Got Balance
I loved this! I think accountability and very specific goal setting are key to achieving change.
Cherrie Bautista
Having specific goals gives you more focus and direction as oppose to just general goals. Also enlisting somebody to help you be accountable is important. This could be a friend, or group of friends. try to meet up weekly and give status on what each of you are working on to achieve your goals. This not only helps you but you also get to help your other friends reach their goals.
Yemi
Thank you for this post. I try not to make silly resolutions especially as I have children who actually hold me down to keeping them. To help them take resolutions seriously we make family ones to do with each other and it goes down well.
LuciWest
The timing couldn’t be better to help get people back on track to pursue and succeed with their resolutions for the year.
Lyosha
it is a very important post for everyone. resolutions fail but it is ok
Mayuri Saxena
I completely agree with this list. I think if your goal is too generic it makes it difficult to last long as success requires both specific goals and a time frame.