The Secret to Achieving Your New Year’s Goals: Why 92% of Resolutions Fail and How to Beat the Odds

The New Year brings with it a sense of renewal—a clean slate to reflect, reset, and realign with what matters most to us. It’s why so many of us set goals, make resolutions, or dream big as the calendar turns over.

But here’s the kicker: only 8% of people actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions. That leaves the overwhelming majority—92%!—falling short of their aspirations.

So, what’s going wrong? And more importantly, how can you set yourself up for success?

1. Your Goals Are Too Vague

Saying you want to "get fit" or "eat healthier" is a great idea, but it’s not a plan. Without clarity, your goal becomes more of a wish than a target.

Solution:Make your goals SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of “get fit,” try “strength train three times a week for 45 minutes.”

2. You’re Trying to Change Too Much at Once

Ambition is great, but overloading yourself with too many resolutions can lead to burnout.

Solution:Focus on one or two key goals. Master those, and then layer on new habits. Progress builds momentum.

3. You Haven’t Accounted for the “Why”

Without a strong emotional connection to your goal, it’s easy to lose motivation.

Solution:Dig deeper into why you want this change. “I want to lose weight” becomes “I want to have more energy to play with my kids” or “I want to feel confident in my own skin.”

4. You’re Not Tracking Progress

It’s hard to stay motivated when you don’t see how far you’ve come.

Solution:Keep a journal, use a habit tracker, or take photos to document your progress. Celebrate the small wins—they add up to big results.

5. You’re Going It Alone

Change is tough, and trying to do it in isolation makes it even harder.

Solution:Find a community, coach, or accountability buddy. Having someone in your corner can make all the difference.

6. You’re Relying Solely on Motivation

Motivation can fade, especially when life gets busy.

Solution:Focus on building habits. Habits don’t rely on willpower; they become part of your routine. Start small—something you can do even on your worst day.

7. You’re Not Kind to Yourself

Slip-ups happen. Beating yourself up over them can derail your progress.

Solution:Practice self-compassion. Reflect on what went wrong, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Progress isn’t linear, and that’s okay.

This Year, You’re in the 8%

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with intention, patience, and a plan, you can crush your New Year’s goals. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being persistent.

Want to dive deeper into setting goals that stick? Click here to learn more and take the first step toward making this year your best yet.