New Year’s Resolutions: To Do or Not To Do
If New Year’s Resolutions were the other partner in a relationship, "It’s complicated" would be the relationship status.
Let’s dig into why it’s such a rollercoaster and, if you decide to “make it official,” how to choose a resolution that's not just wishful thinking but something you can actually conquer.
Isn’t it just so tempting to glance at the calendar, see that fresh 1/1, and think, "This is it, time to make a change!" Never mind that the upcoming year starts on a Monday! It's that moment where you list everything you want to change about your life, and boldly declare that 2024 is your year. We've all been there, right? The whole world's asking, “So, any resolutions?” It’s an easy trap to tumble into.
But, let’s talk numbers. 23% bail in the first week, and the second Friday of the year is labeled "quitter’s day" because, you guessed it, most people quit then. By the end of the month, 64% have thrown in the towel. Shockingly, almost half, 43%, are already expecting to wave goodbye by February.
No wonder it’s so complicated!
Getting swept up in this process is exactly what can put the brakes on success. It becomes this big thing about what we don’t like. The pressure on January 1, after the holiday chaos, always struck me as odd. And seriously, why is it all or nothing? Why is there an expectations to make it a habit right away, no prep, just bam?
Now, it might sound like I’m waving the anti-resolutions flag, but hold up. Years ago, someone said, "Hey, make a resolution in December, work out the kinks, and be ready by January 1." That clicked for me. (Fun fact: Starting this coaching practice, which is almost 8 years old, was a New Year’s Resolution born from this suggestion.)
Even if December slips by, there’s a gem here – give yourself room to work out the kinks. Anything worth having takes time, and bad habits need to be swapped for good ones. It’s a process, not a switch you flip overnight, despite the January 1 pressure.
What can make a resolution successful? Here are my tips:
Get crystal clear on what you want.
What’s the success picture? Break it down into bite-sized, doable steps. It’s like building a house – one brick at a time.Get real clear on why you want what you want.
The "why" is the secret sauce. Without it, your resolution might feel like chasing a unicorn. Dig deep into your motivations, making sure they align with your values and genuinely light you up. (For example, if it's more money, but you realize your why is that you think more money will let you feel happy, that needs a second look. Money doesn't always equal happiness.) You can start by making a list of the emotional and tangible benefits tied to your resolution. Understanding the profound "why" behind your goal is like having a secret weapon for tough days.Make a plan.
But not just any plan – one that covers the stress points too. Life’s not all sunshine and rainbows, and neither is your resolution journey. Assume there’ll be bumps, and plan for them. A plan that assumes everything will be stress and trigger free isn’t a good plan.Acknowledge two truths at the same time.
Short-term happiness and long-term satisfaction might play tag, but balance is the name of the game. If your resolution involves money, there’ll be times when spending feels better than saving. It happens, and that’s why point 3 is so important.Plan to celebrate meeting milestones and small victories.
Every milestone is a win. Celebrate it! It keeps you motivated and turns the journey into a series of victories, not just a distant finish line.Embrace adaptability and self-compassion.
Life’s a wild ride, and plans might need a tweak. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. If things go off course, adjust your sails.
Most importantly, honor the many twists and turns on the road to your goals.
Think about having a coach in your corner. I’ve helped hundreds of clients reach their goals. What made the difference was crafting plans that fit into their unique day to day life and digging into the inner blocks.
And I’m rolling out a holiday promo just for this reason – check out all the details here. There's a steep discount on the ELI assessment, plus a 6-week coaching package – I’ve never offered this before, and not sure if I will offer it again. If you're up for a change this year and want to make it official with your resolutions, set up an exploratory call with me today. It’s time to set your plan in to motion, and celebrate achieving it, instead of feeling resigned on quitter’s day.