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Why Your New Year's Resolutions are Toast by February (and How to Fix it) . . .

#confidence #goalsetting #grit #highperformance #hope #mindsetmatters #persistence #prioritize #selfconfidence Jan 07, 2025
Ivan encourages us with a smile

 Let’s be honest.

 

Most New Year’s resolutions have the life expectancy of a houseplant in my care—short and sad. January begins with all the promise of a fresh start, and by mid-February, that promise is curled up in a ball next to the treadmill, muttering, “Next year--for sure.”

 

Why does this happen? The answer is simple:

we overcomplicate.

 

We set lofty, complicated goals that require a Nobel Prize-level execution plan. Then, as soon as life throws a wrench—or a new deadline—into the mix, we crumble faster than a dry cookie. But there’s hope! You don’t have to fall into the “go big, then go home” trap.

 

The Problem with Perfection and Complexity

 

Here’s the thing: your goals might be sabotaging you. If your resolution has more steps than a build-your-own IKEA bookshelf, you’re already on shaky ground. In my field (Psychology), we call this the ‘paradox of choice.’ When faced with too many decisions or steps, our brains short-circuit. We feel overwhelmed, respond by procrastinating; and finally, we quit.

If you are adding perfectionism to the mix, one misstep—a skipped workout, putting off asking for that promotion—and suddenly it feels like the entire resolution is ruined. It’s like spilling coffee on page one of your novel and deciding to abandon the entire book. Newsflash: perfection isn’t required.

 

How to Beat the Resolution Blues

 

  1. Micro Actions: Big goals are inspiring, but they’re also paralyzing. Instead of saying, “I’m going to increase my sales by 50%,” start with, “I’m going to make three more cold calls every day.” Instead of “I’m writing a book,” start with “I’ll write for 10 minutes each day.” Small, manageable steps build momentum.
  2. Celebrate Tiny Wins: Research in behavioral psychology shows that small victories release dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. Each win motivates us to keep going. Did you give two compliments to colleagues or clients today? High-five! Did you resist leaving your camera off once this week? You’re a rockstar. Treat progress like a party—every step forward is worth celebrating.
  3. Begin Again: This is a marathon, not a sprint. Missing one day, one step, or even one week doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Just pick yourself up, dust off the donut crumbs, and begin Again. Resilience is the secret sauce to achieving your goals.

 

Now go out there, and crush it—one micro action at a time.

 

Your February self will thank you.

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