5 Reasons New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work

As we are stepping into a new year, it is tempting to set goals for the year. Unless you are one of 38% of mature adults who regularly make New Year’s Resolutions, you are probably not going to give it a second thought.

Yes, only 38% of Americans make resolutions each year. That statistic surprised me too. What is even more surprising is that only 9% of those folks actually succeed at keeping their goals.

Just to let you know, I am not a superstar in this category. I’m not part of the 9%. For years I refused to set goals because when I did, I was only disappointed by the fact that not one of them materialized in my life or business. However, this year I am striving to be in the 9% because I’ve discovered a new way to set goals. A process that makes goals stick and me stick to them. I’ll share that process in an upcoming blog.

Here are the six reasons why New Year’s Resolutions don’t work. How many of them have you experienced? I’ve had them all at one time or another.

1. Goals are often set too high. They a lofty, ideal, and wishful thinking. It’s good to think big, but not so BIG that your subconscious mind can’t believe it. It must be believable.
2. When results don’t show up in the short term, we tend to lose momentum. We quit following the plan that would likely yield results in the long run. Humans like immediate gratification. We want it now. So, to meet that need, set smaller short-term goals to keep your motivation up.
3. We experience discouraging self-talk when things don’t seem to be aligning with the goals we’ve set. Sometimes it takes a step backward to take two steps ahead. Be patient. Stay the course. Catch yourself talking negatively and correct the thought, make it more neutral or positive.
4. Lack of clearly defined steps is another challenge. We set a goal without considering what steps may be necessary to move toward that goal. Take the time to outline the steps. In the end, they may not be the steps you take, but they will provide you with direction when the path gets murky.
5. Hidden sabotaging beliefs are the biggest barrier to achieving your goals. These hidden beliefs sit quietly in your mind until you try to step out in a big way. As soon as you step out of your comfort zone, they raise a flag challenging your intention. They subtly ask, are you sure you want to do that? To which your conscious mind says, well, I thought I did. Do you think otherwise? The simple act of questioning causes forward progress to stop and your goal not to be met.

I’ve found that the hidden sabotaging beliefs are the problem I’ve faced when it comes to setting goals. That negative internal voice questioning my plans, discouraging me from taking action, and throwing up reasons it’s not safe have derailed me for the last time! I’ve found the solution, and I know what to do to defeat it. I’m ready to get on with the new year and have all my goals materialized before my eyes.

If you would like to know more about how I do it for myself and others, reach out to me. I’d love to talk with you about it. The process is incredibly powerful and will change the way you achieve your goals.

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