Why Your New Year's Resolutions May be Doomed to Fail (And What You Can Do About It)

It's that time of year again - the time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and unrealistic goals. Yes, it's New Year's resolution season!

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, millions of people around the world make grand promises to themselves about all the amazing things they're going to accomplish in the coming year. They vow to hit the gym every day, eat nothing but healthy food, and finally learn how to do that thing with the Rubik's cube (you know, the one where you make all the colors match)

It's January 9th and you've already broken your New Year's resolution to hit the gym every day. Or maybe you've slipped up on your goal to eat healthier. Don't despair! It's not too late to get back on track and achieve your goals.

In this article let us discuss why is it that so many of us set ourselves up for disappointment every year? and what to do about it.

Below are the few but main reasons that we lose track on our goals and get lost and frustrated. lets discuss one by one and at the end I have some books recommendation from my personal experience.

Let's Start..

1. Setting specific and realistic goals

For example, instead of resolving to "lose weight," set a specific goal such as "lose 10 pounds in the next three months." This goal is specific and gives you a clear target to work towards. It's also important to consider whether your goal is realistic given your current circumstances. For example, if you are extremely busy and don't have much time to exercise, it may not be realistic to set a goal to run a marathon in the next six months.

Setting specific and realistic goals can also help you create a plan for how you will achieve your goal. This might include setting aside time each week for exercise, planning healthy meals, or seeking out resources or support to help you reach your target.

"Singer Adele, who set a goal to lose weight by focusing on a healthy diet and exercise plan, and actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who set a goal to get in shape for a movie role by hiring a personal trainer and following a strict workout routine"

By setting clear targets and making sure your goals are achievable given your current circumstances, you can increase your chances of reaching your goals and making positive changes in the new year.

2. Having a plan and support system in place

Without a plan, it's easy to get sidetracked or lose motivation, and without support, it can be difficult to stay on track and overcome challenges.

Having a plan means knowing exactly what steps you need to take to achieve your goal. This might include setting specific targets, breaking your goal down into smaller, more manageable tasks, and creating a timeline for when you will complete each step. It can also be helpful to identify potential challenges or obstacles that you might encounter along the way and to have a plan for how you will overcome them.

Having a support system in place can also be a crucial factor in achieving your goals. This might include enlisting the help of friends or family members to keep you accountable, joining a support group or hiring a coach or mentor to provide guidance and encouragement.

In addition to seeking out support from others, it can also be helpful to use tools and resources such as apps, websites, or books to help you stay on track and reach your goals. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier, you might use a food tracking app to help you plan meals and monitor your progress.

3. Tracking progress and adjusting as needed

Tracking your progress and adjusting your plan as needed is an important aspect of achieving your New Year's resolutions. Here are some tips for tracking your progress and making adjustments to your plan.

Set up a system for tracking your progress. This might include keeping a journal(personally this changed my life a 360 degree. In a positive way :)), using a spreadsheet or app to track your progress, or checking in with a coach or accountability partner.

Measure your progress regularly. Depending on your goal, you might track your progress daily, weekly, or monthly. It's important to track your progress on a regular basis to stay on track and make any necessary adjustments.

Be flexible and adaptable. The journey towards achieving your goals is likely to involve ups and downs, and it's important to be flexible and adaptable as you work towards your resolution. Don't be afraid to make adjustments to your plan if you find that it's not working for you.

Tracking your progress and making adjustments as needed is an important aspect of achieving your New Year's resolutions. By staying on top of your progress and being willing to make changes when necessary, you can increase your chances of reaching your goals and making positive changes in the new year.

4. Staying motivated and accountable

Find your WHY. In order to stay motivated, it's important to have a clear reason for why you are pursuing your goal. Take some time to think about the underlying motivation behind your resolution and keep this in mind as you work towards your goal.

Surround yourself with supportive people. Having a support network of friends and family members who are supportive of your goals can be a big help when it comes to staying motivated. Consider enlisting the help of a coach or accountability partner to provide additional support and encouragement.

Set small, achievable goals. Accomplishing small wins along the way can help keep you motivated and on track. Consider setting smaller goals that you can achieve more quickly, and celebrate your victories as you go.

Stay accountable. One of the best ways to stay motivated is to hold yourself accountable for your actions. Consider sharing your goals with others, or enlisting the help of an accountability partner to help keep you on track.

Find ways to stay motivated. Everyone has different things that help them stay motivated, so it's important to find what works for you. This might include listening to music, treating yourself to a reward when you reach a milestone, or finding ways to make the journey towards your goal more enjoyable.

5. Celebrating successes and learning from setbacks

Take time to celebrate your achievements. As you make progress towards your goal, it's important to take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. This might involve treating yourself to a reward, sharing your success with others, or simply taking a moment to appreciate your hard work.

Reflect on your successes and setbacks. As you work towards your goal, it's important to take time to reflect on your successes and setbacks. What worked well for you, and what could you improve upon? By reflecting on your experiences, you can identify areas for growth and make adjustments to your plan as needed.

Learn from your setbacks. Setbacks are a natural part of the journey towards achieving your goals, and it's important to use them as opportunities for learning and growth. Take time to think about what caused the setback and what you can do differently in the future to prevent similar challenges from occurring.

Don't let setbacks discourage you. It's natural to feel discouraged when you face setbacks, but it's important not to let them derail your progress. Remember that setbacks are a normal part of the process and that you can learn and grow from them.

By celebrating your successes and learning from setbacks, you can stay motivated and on track as you work towards your New Year's resolutions.

6. Maintaining momentum beyond the first few weeks of the new year

Maintaining momentum beyond the first few weeks of the new year can be a challenge, but it is essential for achieving your New Year's resolutions. Life is a marathon not a sprint.

Keep your goals top of mind. It's easy to lose sight of your goals as the weeks and months go by, so it's important to keep them top of mind. Consider setting reminders or creating a visual representation of your goals to help keep them at the forefront of your mind.

Stay committed. Achieving your goals requires a long-term commitment, so it's important to stay focused and dedicated to your resolution. Don't be discouraged by setbacks or challenges – keep your eye on the prize and stay committed to your goals.

Stay motivated. Staying motivated can be a challenge as the excitement of the new year wears off, so it's important to find ways to stay motivated. This might involve enlisting the help of a coach or accountability partner, setting small goals and celebrating your victories, or finding ways to make the journey towards your goal more enjoyable.

Stay flexible. As you work towards your goals, it's important to be flexible and adaptable. Be willing to make adjustments to your plan as needed and don't be afraid to pivot if you find that your current strategy isn't working.

7. Seeking professional help if needed

Seeking professional help if needed is an important aspect of achieving your New Year's resolutions. Here are some tips for seeking professional help:

Identify when you need help. It's important to recognize when you need help in order to achieve your goals. If you find that you are struggling to make progress or that you are facing challenges that you can't overcome on your own, it might be time to seek professional help.

Research your options. There are many different types of professionals who can help you achieve your goals, including coaches, therapists, nutritionists, and personal trainers. Take some time to research your options and find a professional who is a good fit for your needs.

Communicate your needs and expectations. When you work with a professional, it's important to communicate your needs and expectations clearly. Make sure you understand what you can expect from your professional and what they need from you in order to be successful.

Follow through with your plan. Working with a professional can be a valuable resource in achieving your goals, but it's important to remember that the work ultimately falls on you. Be sure to follow through with your plan and make the most of the resources and guidance that you receive.

Finally: Book that can help :)

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits by Gretchen Rubin

The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

The Motivation Manifesto by Brendan Burchard

The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines into Massive Success and Happiness by Jeff Olson

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

If you like this article please share it with your friends and family and a very Happy new year 2023 for all of You. Thanks for your time :)