If you’re struggling to maintain your New Year’s resolution(s), you’re not alone! Research has shown that about 23% of people quit their resolutions within the first week of January! Only about 9% of Americans maintain their resolutions to completion.
Why Do Most People Fail their New Year’s Resolutions?
Upfront, setting goals at New Year’s has become a tradition rather than a signal of intended change. Joining the crowd to make a resolution impacts motivation and your taking your goal(s) seriously.
Upfront, setting goals at New Year’s has become a tradition rather than a signal of intended change. Joining the crowd to make a resolution impacts motivation and your taking your goal(s) seriously.
Goals are unrealistic in their scope and reflect poor planning.
The most common New Year’s resolution is improving fitness, finances, and mental health.
Obstacles and setbacks are expected when following up on goals; that’s why mindset and planning are crucial.
Pick challenging but motivating goals, and measure them in small chunks!
Accountability is important to goal setting and being successful. Establish a realistic goal, write it down, and account for setbacks and ways to hold yourself accountable to your plan.
If you are doing Dry January, get friends or family members involved! Find support groups online for motivation or guidance. Incentivize yourself by breaking down goals into smaller, more attainable steps.
Let’s also look into other reasons why people might fail at their New Year’s resolutions.
Self-doubt or fear of failure.
Procrastination.
Lack of self-efficacy and self-advocacy skills when difficulties arise.
Not factoring in daily opportunities to find success (direct or indirect) related to their resolutions.
For instance, if your goal is to become more physically active, small changes can snowball even if your heart rate isn’t reflecting it.
Cleaning the entire house can be quite an exercise, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment that could motivate you to get other tasks done.
Self-forgiveness when mistakes are made.
If you or your high schooler is struggling to set goals, make a plan, and need help with accountability, I am here to help! Register a free virtual consultation today to learn more!
What do New Year’s Resolutions Teach Us About Goal Setting?
Set attainable goals that have been thought through, are intrinsically motivating, and have a support network or accountability system.
Establish your goals because you want to accomplish them (or at least learn from your efforts), and be flexible with your results.
It’s better to make small progress than no progress.
Don’t be afraid to try; if you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to change your goals!
I have an easier time sticking to changes when I think it through and then set aside a few days to acclimate to the mindset and rhythm needed to be more successful or motivated. Setting a “my diet starts MONDAY” mentality only makes me avoid the change even more.
However, if I make incremental smaller changes for a few days, I’m more motivated by this change, which results in me feeling more accomplished, which boosts my drive to make more changes.
Let me know if you’re still sticking tough to your resolutions; if not, what’s keeping you from trying something different?
Respectfully,
Dustin.
Comments