Do you ever find yourself thinking, “I’ll commit to this in the new year”? Maybe you’ve been putting off a new workout routine, a healthy habit, or a goal you’re passionate about. We often use New Year’s resolutions as a reset button, promising ourselves that next year we’ll finally make that big change. But what if I told you that relying on January 1st is setting you up for failure? Here’s why—and how you can fix it today.
Why Wait for New Year’s resolutions? Start Now!
Why do we push our goals to a future date instead of acting on them now? I see it all the time, and I’ve been guilty of it myself. This past September, I decided to start running, just like that, out of nowhere. My roommate chimed in, saying, “Oh, that’s great! I want to start running in 2025.”
Why wait three months? Imagine if you started today instead. In three months, you could already be running 5Ks and setting your sights on bigger goals like a 10K by the end of 2025. So ask yourself—what goal have you been delaying for no reason other than a convenient date on the calendar?
Accountability is the Key, Not the Timing
Instead of focusing on a perfect time to begin, the real challenge is accountability and follow-through. New Year’s resolutions often fail because they lack daily attention and real commitment. According to research, 80% of resolutions fail by February (Source: Drive Research).
So how can you stay accountable? Start by tracking your progress every day or week. This could be through apps, physical calendars, or a simple notebook where you write down your goals. By setting small, actionable steps and holding yourself accountable, you’ll be much more likely to stick with them.
How to Set Goals You Can Stick With
So, what’s the secret to setting goals that you can actually achieve? The key is to start with goals that are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get in shape next year,” try something like, “I will go for a 20-minute walk every morning starting today.”
The sooner you start, the sooner you build momentum. It’s about creating habits now, not just planning for later. You can still use January 1st as a time to refresh or recalibrate, but don’t wait until then to take action. Your goals are worth working on today!
Action Steps to Set Goals Today
Here are a few simple steps to kickstart your goal-setting journey right now:
- Start Small and Specific: What’s one thing you can do today that moves you toward your bigger goal? Write it down.
- Use Tracking Tools: Download an app or use a journal to log your daily progress. Consistency is key!
- Build Accountability: Share your goal with a friend or set reminders to check in with yourself weekly.
- Celebrate Wins: Don’t forget to acknowledge every small victory! This keeps motivation high and reminds you why you started.
Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail (and How to Fix Them)
The reason most New Year’s resolutions fail isn’t because the goals are too ambitious. It’s because they lack structure and accountability. People treat January 1st like a magic date when everything will fall into place. But if you aren’t building the habit today, why would it suddenly happen in the future?
Instead, use the new year to reflect on how well your current goals are progressing. January 1st can be a great time to tweak your tracking system or re-evaluate your milestones. The key is to realize that goals can start any day of the year—not just on the first of January. In fact, successful goal-setting is an ongoing process that requires constant commitment and accountability.
Take Action Today
What’s holding you back from starting today? Is it fear of failure, or are you simply waiting for the “right” moment? Here’s a challenge: don’t wait for a perfect time. Set one small goal right now and commit to it. Then, track it. Stay accountable. You’ll find that starting today sets the tone for long-term success.
So, what’s your goal? Leave it in the comments below, and let’s hold each other accountable! And don’t forget to subscribe to On The Record for more tips on setting goals, staying motivated, and creating the life you want.
