The Real Reason Your New Year’s Resolutions Are Failing
Every year, January rolls around, and suddenly everyone is a “new year, new me” person. Gym memberships spike, grocery carts fill with vegetables, and budgets get very ambitious, then life happens.
If you’ve already slipped on your New Year’s resolution, you’re not failing; you’re doing exactly what most people do. According to research from the University of Scranton, only about 9% of people actually stick to their resolutions. Most quit within the first month, and it’s not because they lack willpower.
The real problem is how we set goals.
Science shows that big, dramatic resolutions are harder to maintain than small, boring ones. Studies published in Psychological Science found that habits stick better when they’re easy enough to do on your worst day. “Work out every day” sounds great, but “Walk for 10 minutes after dinner” is something you’ll actually do.
Identify WHO you want to be.
Another thing that matters more than motivation is identity. Research-backed habit experts say people are more consistent when they think in terms of who they are, not what they want. Saying “I’m someone who takes care of myself” works better than “I want to lose 20 pounds.”
Accountability also helps more than people realize. Studies show that you’re far more likely to follow through if someone else knows your goal and checks in on you.
Here are five of the most common New Year’s resolutions:
- Exercising more
- Losing weight
- Saving money
- Eating healthier
- Reducing stress
Success starts with setting realistic goals that you can turn into a habit.