Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail — And How I’ve Managed to Stay on Track for 3 Years Straight

At the start of every year, millions of people set ambitious resolutions. They want to lose weight, save more money, start a new hobby, or finally get that promotion. But by February, the gym floors are empty again, the budgeting apps go untouched, and that set of watercolor paints gathers dust in the corner. Why?

Here’s an uncomfortable truth — most New Year’s resolutions fail because people set themselves up for failure without realizing it. I know this because I used to be that person. I used to set massive goals with no clear plan, no accountability, and no focus on how I was going to get there. But over the past three years, I’ve changed the way I approach resolutions, and I’ve been able to achieve lasting success—one milestone at a time.

Here’s a deep dive into WHY resolutions fail, how I turned that around, and the strategies that have helped me accomplish my goals year after year.

Why Do Most People Fail at New Year’s Resolutions?

You’re not alone if you’ve struggled to stick to your resolutions. There are common pitfalls that most of us fall into, including:

1. Focusing on Outcome-Based Goals

Most resolutions fail because they’re built around the end result and not the actions needed to get there. For example, saying, “I want to save $5,000 this year” doesn’t tackle what habits and systems will make that happen. Instead, an action-based goal like “I will set aside $100 every week” is measurable and actionable.

2. No Plan or Direction

It’s easy to set a lofty goal, but without a game plan, it’s just wishful thinking. A goal without steps is like needing to reach a destination but refusing to use a map.

3. Waiting for the ‘Perfect Time’ to Start

Ever tell yourself, “I’ll wait until January 1st,” only to stumble or procrastinate until January ends? Here’s the secret — there’s no perfect day to start. The best time to take action is now, even if it’s not flawless.

4. No Support or Accountability

Going at it alone can make even the smallest challenges seem insurmountable. Lack of accountability means there’s no one to remind you of your “why” when motivation dies down.

5. Giving Up Too Soon

Failure isn’t messing up a single day or missing one workout. Failure happens when you give up completely. Resilience is about staying in the game long-term.

Understanding these barriers helped me adjust my mindset and approach resolutions in a way that was sustainable and achievable.

How I’ve Succeeded With My Resolutions Over the Past 3 Years

Despite my earlier struggles, I’ve had three successful years of goal-setting and goal-smashing. Here’s how I did it:

2022 Resolution – Work Every Day

My goal wasn’t about hustling to burnout; it was about building momentum and consistency as I rebuilt my online training business after COVID disruptions. I committed to “working every day” — even if that just meant earning $30 for one hour of work. I tracked every day I worked, and by the end of the year, I’d only missed 11 days.

This approach not only helped me grow my client base but also improved my skills and confidence. The key wasn’t the amount of work; it was showing up daily, no matter how small.

2023 Resolution – Post Daily on Social Media

This year, I challenged myself to post a video on social media every single day and ended up only missing three days. Over the course of the year, I honed my filming, editing, and voiceover skills. While I didn’t gain thousands of followers, this effort helped me stay visible, strengthened my personal brand, and kept me consistent.

The real payoff wasn’t in the numbers — it was in the progress I made by showing up again and again.

2024 Resolution – Blog and Podcast Consistently

This year started with a goal to blog 3-5 times a week. While I fell off toward the end of the year as my focus shifted to podcasting, I embraced the flexibility of transitioning to a platform I enjoyed more. Consistency was still there, just on a different medium, and I learned not to view shifting my focus as failure. It’s all part of the process.

These resolutions weren’t perfect, but the progress was undeniable — and that’s what mattered.

My Secrets to Sticking to Resolutions

Throughout these three years, I’ve discovered foolproof strategies that helped me stay on track. Here’s what worked for me (and what I think will work for you, too):

1. Focus on Inputs, Not Outcomes

Instead of fixating on the end goal, I made action-based commitments. For example, rather than saying, “I want 50 new clients this year,” I focused on working and providing value every day. Inputs create outcomes — not the other way around.

2. Break Goals Into Bite-Sized Habits

A big resolution can feel overwhelming. Instead of trying to tackle it all at once, I broke it down into small, actionable steps. These small wins helped me build momentum and gave me the motivation to keep going.

3. Start Now, Not Later

Why wait until January 1st? I remind myself that progress can start at any moment. Waiting for the perfect time is just another excuse to delay action.

4. Surround Yourself With Accountability

Having someone who helps keep you accountable makes all the difference. Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or even a friend cheering you on, having that external push can mean the difference between quitting and enduring.

5. Reassess, Adjust, Don’t Give Up

Success is not about doing everything perfectly. When I missed a day or stumbled, I didn’t throw in the towel. I reassessed, adjusted my approach, and kept going. Falling off is human — quitting completely is the only true failure.

6. Celebrate the Journey, Not Just the Results

Viewing my resolutions as a long-term process and celebrating progress (big or small) helped me stay encouraged. Every step forward is still a step forward.

7. Learn and Improve

I leaned into learning more about each goal, reading books and listening to podcasts on relevant topics. Whether it was about business growth, social media tips, or content creation, gaining knowledge boosted my confidence and ability to succeed.

Shifting the Mindset for Long-Term Success

The real key to achieving resolutions is learning how to shift your mindset. Some of my biggest mindset shifts include:

• Reframing Setbacks: Hiccups happen. I train myself to view them as part of the process, not the end of it.

• Avoiding All-or-Nothing Thinking: Skipping a workout or missing a blog post doesn’t mean my resolution is ruined.

• Taking Responsibility: I focus on controlling what I can, knowing that my effort and actions drive results.

• Enjoying the Process: Resolutions aren’t just about reaching a destination. They’re about learning, growing, and enjoying the ride along the way.

The Takeaway

After three years of sticking to — and succeeding with — my resolutions, one thing is clear. Resolutions don’t fail because people lack discipline. They fail because people lack a clear plan, manageable habits, and the tools to get back on track when life inevitably happens.

If you’ve struggled with resolutions before, I hope these insights are a helpful guide. Start small, focus on consistent action, keep learning, and celebrate the wins, no matter how tiny they might seem.