We’re already one week into the new year—how’s your resolution going?
Got you there, didn’t I? Did you have to stop and think about it? Did you feel a little guilty?
You shouldn’t feel that way!
Let’s take a step back. The definition of a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. Yet, year after year, resolutions seem to come with a built-in stigma—almost as if they’re doomed to fail before they even start.
But here’s the truth: New Year’s resolutions aren’t destined to fail. They get a bad rap because too often, they’re made without a real plan or the right tools to follow through. And yes, starting at the new year feels arbitrary to some, but for others, it’s a powerful reset button. Think of it like saying, “I’ll start on Monday.” It’s a fresh beginning.
So, can resolutions work? Absolutely. But only with proper planning, accountability, passion, and execution.
The Most Common New Year’s Resolutions
According to Statista, here are the top five resolutions going into 2025:
- Save more money
- Eat healthier
- Exercise more
- Lose weight
- Spend more time with friends and family
These are fantastic goals, but the success of any resolution comes down to how you approach it.
The Key to Resolutions That Stick: A Plan and Passion
Here’s the deal: Resolutions don’t work without a solid plan—and they definitely don’t work without passion.
Start with your “why.”
Why does this resolution excite you? Why does it matter to you? If your goal doesn’t light a fire inside you, it’s going to fizzle out the moment life gets hard. Your “why” has to be strong enough to anchor you when everything around you feels unstable.
Passion is what keeps you moving forward when:
- Life happens—your schedule changes, finances shift, or unexpected responsibilities pile up.
- People doubt you—friends or family question your choices or try to pull you in another direction.
- You just don’t feel like it—those days when motivation is nonexistent, and it’s easier to make excuses than progress.
Passion fuels consistency. And consistency is the magic ingredient.
Use SMART Goals to Bring Your Resolution to Life
SMART goals make resolutions actionable. Here’s how:
- Specific:
Be crystal clear about what you want to achieve.- Instead of “I want to lose weight,” say, “I want to lose 15 pounds.”
- Instead of “I want to save money,” say, “I want to save $5,000 by December.”
- Measurable:
How will you track progress?- Weekly weigh-ins?
- Monthly savings checks?
- Scheduling three hangouts with friends each month?
- Achievable:
Is this goal realistic? Do you have the tools, time, and support to make it happen?- If you want to exercise more, do you have a gym membership or a workout plan?
- If you want to spend more time with friends, are they available and willing to meet up?
- Relevant:
Does this goal align with the life you want to build?- If it’s not tied to your long-term vision, it’ll be easy to push aside when old habits creep back in.
- Time-Bound:
Set a deadline! Most people start on January 1 but forget to set an end date. Without one, there’s no urgency to restart when life inevitably gets in the way.
Predict Obstacles and Plan to Overcome Them
Let’s be real: Life happens. It’s not if obstacles will come, but when. The key is anticipating them.
- What will you do if your schedule gets crazy?
- How will you handle low motivation?
- What’s your backup plan for days when things don’t go as expected?
Without a strategy for overcoming challenges, it’s too easy to quit at the first sign of trouble.
The Final Step: Consistency and Execution
You can have the most beautifully crafted plan in the world, but if you don’t execute it, it’s worthless.
Consistency is about showing up again and again, even when it’s hard. It’s about repeating your plan over and over and over and over and over until it becomes second nature. Until it’s a habit.
Think about it:
- A gym membership that’s never used doesn’t improve your fitness.
- A budget that’s ignored won’t grow your savings.
- A food log that’s inconsistently tracked won’t lead to healthier eating habits.
Success doesn’t come from a single grand effort—it comes from the daily grind of sticking to your plan, even when you don’t feel like it.
Resolutions Are Just the Beginning
Remember, a resolution is only the first step. It’s the passion, the plan, the commitment, and the action that create lasting change. Whether it’s the start of a new year, a new month, or a random Wednesday in March, the best time to start working toward your goals is now.
Make your resolutions meaningful. Make them actionable. And most importantly, make them happen.
You’ve got this.