Why 92% of New Year’s Resolutions Fail
I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions.
I know New Year’s is about a fresh start for many people.
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
Be honest…
Have you ever followed through on a New Year’s resolution?
Me neither.
That explains why gyms are full of new faces in January.
By February, the new faces are gone.
Why do New Year’s resolutions fail?
I asked our old friend, ChatGPT, why New Year’s Resolutions fail, and the answers are pretty obvious.
1. Unrealistic Goals
Setting goals that are too ambitious or vague (e.g., “lose 50 pounds in a month” or “be happier”) makes it hard to achieve and leads to frustration.
I’ve committed to losing weight so many times. I always plateau after the first five pounds then gain eight pounds a week later.
2. Lack of Specificity
Vague resolutions like “get in shape” or “save money” lack actionable steps, making it difficult to measure progress or know where to start.
3. No Clear Plan
A resolution without a strategy is just a wish. Many people fail to break down their goals into smaller, manageable steps. I remember Zig Ziglar telling a story about wanting to lose weight. He didn’t set a goal to lose 37 pounds in 10 months. He broke it down into losing 1.97 ounces per day.
4. Over-reliance on Motivation
Motivation tends to be high at the start but wanes over time. Success requires discipline and building habits, not just enthusiasm.
5. Neglecting Underlying Issues
Addressing symptoms rather than root causes (e.g., wanting to lose weight without addressing emotional eating) leads to short-term changes that are not sustainable.
6. Unrealistic Timelines
Expecting quick results can lead to disappointment and discouragement when progress is slower than anticipated.
7. Too Many Resolutions
Trying to tackle multiple resolutions at once dilutes focus and increases the likelihood of failure.
8. Lack of Accountability
Without someone or something to hold you accountable, it’s easier to let resolutions slip.
9. Not Tracking Progress
If you don’t measure progress, it’s hard to stay motivated or make necessary adjustments.
10. All-or-Nothing Mentality
Viewing setbacks as failures rather than learning opportunities leads to giving up entirely after a slip-up.
11. External Pressure
Resolutions made to please others rather than reflecting personal desires or values lack intrinsic motivation.
12. Neglecting to Build Habits
Resolutions often require changes in behavior. Without a focus on habit formation, new actions don’t become automatic and are easily abandoned.
I’m sure I’ve experienced every one of these reasons at one time or another.
A few years ago my friend Burt Campbell, recommended a great book, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg
Happy New Year.
Ted
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
