As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions around the globe embark on a journey of self-improvement through New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s losing weight, drinking less alcohol, trying to quit smoking, eating more protein, walking, adopting a healthier lifestyle, getting more sleep, or mastering a new skill, the enthusiasm is palpable.
However, as the year progresses, statistics show that a significant number of resolutions fall by the wayside, and overall well-being begins to suffer. People achieve great success at the beginning of the year!
Why can’t they keep going?
In this blog post, we delve into New Year resolution failure statistics and explore actionable strategies to overcome setbacks and find more success.
The Harsh Reality: Statistics of New Year's Resolutions Failure
The Numbers Game
Various studies show that a staggering percentage of New Year’s resolutions fail. Research suggests that approximately 80% of resolutions don’t make it past the second week of February. This statistic may seem disheartening, but it sheds light on individuals’ challenges in maintaining their commitment to real life change.
Common Pitfalls
Why do some resolutions falter and some don’t?
Identifying common pitfalls is crucial for understanding the dynamics at play. Unrealistic goals, lack of a concrete plan, and insufficient support systems are among the primary culprits. Additionally, life’s unexpected curveballs often throw individuals off course, making it challenging to adhere to their New Year’s resolutions.
Understanding the Reasons Behind New Year's Resolutions Failure
Unrealistic Expectations
One of the main reasons resolutions fail is the tendency to set unrealistic expectations. Goals that are too ambitious or lack specificity can quickly become overwhelming, leading to frustration and abandonment. “I’m going to eat healthier”, “let’s try to save money”, or “I’m going to exercise more”, are all too ambiguous. Goal setting is great, but the effort has to be made with action in mind.
Remember the SMART goals!
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time-bound
Lack of Planning
Embarking on New Year’s resolutions without a well-thought-out plan is akin to setting sail without a compass. The absence of a structured approach makes navigating the challenges that arise along the way difficult.
If the goal is to meal prep lunch each week, well there better be some containers in the house to put your meals in. Additionally, time needs to be set aside to go to the grocery store. Writing down action steps around the goal is just as important as the goal.
Insufficient Support
Humans are social beings, and having a social support system can significantly impact the success of resolutions. People will be 95% more successful in reaching their goals if someone holds them accountable.
Without encouragement, accountability, and guidance, individuals may find it challenging to stay on track.
5 Strategies for Overcoming Setbacks With New Year's Resolutions
Reflect and Learn
When a new year’s resolution crumbles, reflecting on the reasons behind the setback is essential. Was the goal too ambitious or not SMART? Did unforeseen circumstances in our lives arise?
Learning from failures provides valuable insights that can inform future adjustments.
Adjust and Reset
Based on reflecting and learning, make necessary adjustments to the resolutions in order to be successful. Consider breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks that will help with creating habits. Focus on behavior change and resetting goals with a realistic timeline. Doing so will increase the likelihood of achieving success.
Remember what James Clear says, “all big things come from small beginnings“.
Build a Support System
Your social circle matters!
Having a buddy or a support sidekick can seriously amp up your goal-crushing game. Picture this: you’ve got someone cheering you on, giving you that extra push when the going gets tough. It’s like having a personal cheerleader in your corner, boosting your morale and keeping the vibe positive.
Plus, they’re not just there for the pep talks – having someone to bounce ideas off and get feedback from is golden. They help you stay on track, like a friendly GPS for your goals. And let’s not forget the celebration part – when you hit those milestones, having someone to high-five or share a victory dance with makes the win even sweeter. So, having a support wingman isn’t just cool; it’s a game-changer that turns your solo mission into a tag-team success story.
And remember…you will be 95% more successful with an accountability buddy.
Track Progress
Documenting progress is a powerful tool for staying motivated. Create a journal, download an app, or use visual aids. Tracking achievements, no matter how small, reinforces a sense of accomplishment and propels individuals forward. If you want to lose weight as part of your new year’s resolutions, keeping track of non scale victories is a great way to remain motivated.
Celebrate Small Wins
Every step toward a resolution is a victory. Celebrating small wins is a powerful part of the process. One reason we do this is to boost morale and reinforce the positive changes being made.
Recognizing progress, no matter how incremental, contributes to the overall success of the resolution.
If you want to lose weight as part of your new year’s resolutions, keeping track of non scale victories is a great way to remain motivated. When exercise is the goal, keep track of weight lifted over time. A written log of starting weights to current weights is great data to have that shows improvement over time.
Wrap Up
While the statistics surrounding New Year resolution failure may seem daunting, it’s crucial to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Understanding the reasons behind failure and implementing actionable steps to achieve the goal can turn the tide.
As we work through the unpredictable journey to find health and self-improvement, let’s embrace the challenges, learn from our experiences, and forge ahead with resilience and determination. After all, the essence of a resolution lies not just in the destination but in the journey to transformation it offers.
