How to Crush Your New Year’s Resolutions

According to a Forbes Health/One Poll survey, the average New Year’s resolution only lasts for 3.74 months. No matter what your goals are for 2024, you may find that you’re among the people already struggling to stay on course.

However, you don’t have to be part of the large number of people who give up on their goals. Instead, use these simple strategies to stay on track and achieve success this year.

Why Won’t Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick?

You likely didn’t pick a goal that was going to harm you or those around you. You picked one that was going to change your life for the better, such as setting a goal to improve your sleep or cut back on alcohol.

So, knowing that, why can’t you just follow through on it?

There are a few reasons why you might be failing at your New Year’s resolutions. Let’s investigate six common obstacles that prevent many of us from keeping up with our goals:

1. Having no accountability

Maybe you didn’t make a plan to hold yourself accountable to your goals. Perhaps you didn’t tell anyone about them, or you failed to use a habit-tracker app that would nudge you toward better habits — in other words, maybe you failed to establish consequences for yourself.

2. Not having a documented plan

After a few weeks of trying to reach a goal that you’ve never put in writing, you’re bound to veer off course. In order to successfully stick to your goal and see the benefits, you need a documented, well-written plan as to how you’ll do so. You wouldn’t start a business without a business plan and expect it to succeed; why would you expect to succeed at a goal without a similar plan?

3. Being too vague

If you have a clear and specific written plan, you’ll be much more likely to achieve your goals. For example, you shouldn’t set a goal of being “more active” in 2024. You’ll want to get specific with how often you’ll work out each week, the type of workout you’ll do, etc.

4. Relying on willpower alone

Willpower is important — but it wanes. Just like a muscle, your motivation can become stronger as well as get fatigued. This limitation is why it’s crucial to not rely on willpower alone. Be sure to focus on discipline and consistency through repetition.

5. Getting distracted

When you get distracted from your goals, you’re much more likely to not follow through on them. Since distractions are all around us, the key to success is to stay laser-focused and not get caught up.

6. Lack of priorities

It’s simple. If you want to complete your New Year’s resolutions, you have to make them a top priority.

5 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

So, how can you ensure that you don’t fall prey to any of the above goal-setting pitfalls? Here are five effective tips to keep up with your goals, no matter what time of year.

1. Start small

You’ll have greater success if you begin with small, attainable goals, rather than with gargantuan ones. It’s easier to be more specific if you’re dealing with manageable goals. For example, aim to walk 10,000 steps per day, rather than run a marathon at the end of the month. Starting small also makes it easier to follow through and remain consistent, so you don’t burn out.

2. Set SMARTER goals

You’ve likely heard of the SMART goals theory, but essentially SMARTER goals are more likely to be accomplished because they are: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, evaluated, and readjusted. Make sure you follow these principles when creating and setting goals.

3. Have a written plan

Of course, the easiest way to ensure you don’t fall into the mistake of going into your New Year’s resolution without a plan is to simply make one. Write it down!

4. Find an accountability partner

Find a person in your life who will hold you accountable to your goals, whether you need to work with a friend, family member, business mentor, or a coach.

5. Track your progress

Whether you use a habit tracking app (such as our Arootah Habit Coach) or a pen and paper, keeping track of your progress — from days exercised to books read — is key to helping you gauge how well you’re doing with your goals, and whether you need to make any adjustments.

The Bottom Line

If you’re struggling to keep your goals for 2024, you’re not alone. However, by following these simple strategies, you can get back up on the horse and ensure you achieve your goals.

Need more support with sticking to your goals or setting the ones that matter most to you? Gain clarity and accountability by scheduling a no-obligation call with an Arootah coach today.