A Different Approach To Your Resolutions
Nancy 
"Resolutions are a wonderful thing if we can keep them, but many resolutions go by the wayside because we have not done anything different with our mindset."
— Monica Johnson
It's January, and "New Year, New Me" echoes around us.
But let's call it what it is—for many people, the only new thing is the last digit of the Gregorian calendar.
And the elephant in the room isn't new either - the obligatory New Year's Resolutions. You may have some as well.
Yet a survey conducted by Forbes Health/One Poll showed that the average New Year’s resolution lasts just 3.74 months.
The reality is that most people's resolutions fail.
I'm not pointing fingers here. After years of making lofty resolutions amid the hype of fireworks, confetti, and merry-making inebriation, I learned this the hard way.
New Year, New Me meant diddly squat, and like a deflated balloon, my vague resolutions went nowhere fast. Yet I kept making them. Ever the optimist, I was stuck in a self-defeating loop—resolutions made with excitement in January, only to be abandoned by February, like a gym membership after the free trial.
It felt like being the proverbial Miss Sophie in Dinner For One.
The same procedure as every year!
Until I discovered a better way to approach personal and professional progress with ease - G.O.A.L.S.
Learning how to set inspired goals the right way changed everything.
Within six months, I had written and self-published my first book—something I'd been saying I wanted to do for so many years that my family and friends were tired of hearing about it. I'm not trying to impress you, but to impress upon you that we have options.
So, back to your resolutions. This being a "fresh start" season, you've probably already seen more content about XYZ Ways to Reach Your Resolutions than you've had time to read. So, instead of adding another listicle to the trending topic's echo chamber, I'll share one slightly different angle. It's based on what I learned in 2007 when I ditched resolutions and created my signature G.O.A.L.S.™ methodology.
I'm sharing what worked for me and has worked with my clients. So, I'm biased as I invite you to opt for a slightly different angle this year. If you're ready to break free from the cycle of failed resolutions, here is a straightforward thing I invite you to consider:
Start With a Strong WHY
And here's the reason: Without being presumptuous about your personal experiences, I believe most well-meaning resolutions fail because they're vague and often rooted in surface-level wishes. While wishing for something may initially motivate, it rarely sustains the effort required to develop new habits for sustainable change. What works better is intrinsic inspiration—a compelling inner drive based on your unique vision and values.
So, as you map out your dreams and desires for the new year, dig deeper. Ask yourself:
1. Why do I really want this?
2. How will achieving this improve my life?
3. In the grand scheme of things, who will benefit?
By default, we humans are wired to avoid pain and seek pleasure. We also often have a deep yearning for meaning and purpose in life.
Look at your "why" from a macro perspective and go beyond short-term rewards and fleeting wins.
For example, instead of "I want to lose weight," you could reframe it as "I want to be healthy so I can avoid lifestyle diseases, travel the world, and volunteer in my community."
When your vision and goals are tied to something that brings you joy, something you don't want, and a meaningful cause, it helps you stay on track as you navigate setbacks and obstacles. We both know challenges are inevitable on the personal development journey toward a fulfilling, purpose-led life.
So, what is it that you desire this year, and WHY?
I invite you to get comfortable where you can be uninterrupted and take a few minutes to reflect and envision your ideal year. Consider thinking on paper because journaling is a great way to gain clarity about what you want to have, be, or do. You can read more about the power of writing things down in my Vision Boarding book, which you can pick up on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
To learn how we can co-create solutions that support you and/or your team's productivity and well-being, let's start a conversation today.
Meanwhile, thank you for being here, and best wishes for 2025!
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