Understanding the Resolution Struggle

As we approach 2024, the familiar cycle of New Year’s resolutions begins anew. Unfortunately, statistics show that about 90% of individuals will abandon their resolutions within weeks. I have often found myself in that majority, aiming for a "new year, new me," only to see my aspirations fade away.

For two consecutive years, I pledged to enhance my writing skills, yet I failed to follow through. The goals slipped off my radar simply because they weren't prioritized. This year, however, I decided to tackle my resolutions differently, and I’m pleased to report that I’ve made significant progress. After formally noting my midyear goals for 2023, I have been writing weekly—more than I accomplished in the previous two years combined.

The Importance of Documenting Your Goals

The crucial first step to achieving any resolution is to write it down. This act transforms your aspirations into something tangible.

Often, individuals dive headfirst into their resolutions with enthusiasm, envisioning their ideal selves. However, when that ideal doesn't materialize quickly, motivation wanes, leading to abandonment.

Resolutions can linger in our minds from New Year’s Day, quietly nagging us until the following New Year’s Eve, often accompanied by feelings of guilt for neglecting them.

Instead of letting these ideas float aimlessly, it's essential to visualize them by writing them out. For example, if your goal is to exercise, write "exercise" and then clarify what that entails.

Is it daily workouts? A few sessions each week? Understanding the reasons behind your desire to exercise—whether it's weight loss, strength building, or overall health—can help you define your objectives more clearly.

By reflecting on questions like these, you break down your goals into achievable steps, aligning them with your personal values for a more meaningful purpose. This shift turns resolutions from should-do tasks into genuine desires to pursue.

The Role of Accountability and Discipline

Writing down your goals is just the beginning; accountability and discipline are also essential. That note where you recorded your aspirations becomes your roadmap.

Make it a habit to revisit your list regularly to gauge your progress. Use it as a reminder of what you ought to focus on, rather than succumbing to distractions like videos or games.

The first video, "Why New Year's Resolutions Fail," explores common pitfalls that lead to the abandonment of resolutions and offers insights on how to overcome them.

The second video, "This is Why Your New Years Resolutions Always Fail! (and how to stick with it in 2024)," provides strategies for maintaining commitment to your goals and making lasting changes.