The start of a new year feels like the perfect time to make changes. Everyone’s talking about goals and resolutions, but here’s a fun fact: it’s estimated that over 90% of resolutions fail within the first few months. That’s not because you’re lazy or unmotivated; it’s because resolutions can be too harsh, too big, or just plain unrealistic. Rather than diving into the year with a list of resolutions, why not focus on setting your intentions instead? Intentions are kinder and more flexible, so they let you grow at your own pace. In this blog, we’re going to talk about the reasons that resolutions often fail and how intentions can set you up for long-term success.
One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail is that they lack a clear purpose. To set yourself up for success, start by asking why your goal matters. For instance, if your goal is to improve your grades, think about what achieving that will mean for you. Will it give you more opportunities in the future? Boost your confidence? Once you understand the deeper motivation behind your goal, you can create actionable steps to get there. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll study more,” try, “I’ll dedicate 30 minutes each day to reviewing my notes.”
It’s one thing to set a goal, but it’s another to take consistent action. Life gets busy, and when stress or distractions arise, it’s easy to fall back into old habits. The key is to start small and act immediately. Waiting for the “right” time to begin often leads to procrastination. Instead, focus on doing something today – even if it’s a small step. Small actions build momentum, and momentum creates motivation.
Big goals can be inspiring, but they can also feel intimidating. Breaking your goal into smaller, achievable steps makes it easier to stay on track. For instance, instead of setting a resolution to “get in shape,” break it down: “Take a 15-minute walk each day” or “join a fitness class and go twice a week.” These manageable steps mean that you can make progress without feeling overwhelmed.
When you’re trying to achieve something on your own, it’s easy to lose motivation. Things don’t always go to plan, and it can be difficult to pick yourself up again. If you feel as though you have failed, or keep failing you may not be as optimistic as you were when you first set the goal. Sharing your goals with friends, family, or a supportive community can make a huge difference. Find a study group, join a club, or let a close friend know about your intentions. Having people who encourage and hold you accountable can help you stay focused, even when challenges arise.
Your mindset and the language you use when setting yourself goals will determine how you go about achieving them. So, if you often say things like this, you probably have a fixed mindset:
These thoughts are signs of a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset limits your potential because it makes you believe that your abilities are set in stone. The more you tell yourself these things, the more you believe in these negative thoughts… so why not reset your mindset?!
The truth is that you can grow and improve with effort and persistence. Shifting your perspective helps you to develop a growth mindset. People with a growth mindset use language like this when they’re faced with a challenge:
Try writing down negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll never understand this subject,” try, “With practice and time, I’ll get better.” Practising this regularly can help you build confidence and approach challenges with a more optimistic outlook.
Unlike resolutions, which often focus on eliminating ‘bad’ habits or fixing perceived flaws, intentions focus on personal growth and adding value to your life. Instead of asking yourself what you need to cut out, ask what you want more of. For example:
Do you want to gain more knowledge? If you want to learn more about a topic, think of ways you can find new information. Get Curious. Instead of criticising yourself when you get stuck, try something new. You could read a book, listen to a podcast, watch a documentary or YouTube video. If you can’t find out yourself, think about who you could reach out to or ask for help.
Do you want more connection? If you’re struggling with feeling lonely, or you just want to bring more joy into your life, focus on your relationships. What can you do to take care of yourself and the people around you? Plan regular catch-ups with friends or join a group that shares your interests.
When you focus on what you want to cultivate in your life, you’ll naturally feel more motivated and aligned with your goals.
There’s no rule that says you have to start everything on January 1st. So, instead of focusing on resolutions, why not spend the rest of the month reflecting on what’s most important to you? You can set your intentions and take action whenever you feel ready.
Research your goals, explore steps to achieve them, and identify resources or people who can support you. If you need some help, check out our Magic Steps to Goal Setting Programme.
Spoiler alert, there aren’t really any secrets, success is a result of creating daily habits and sticking to them. So, come on board and let’s take those small steps towards that big goal!
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