Why New Year’s Resolutions DON’T WORK…and what to do instead.

It’s that time of year when people will be making New Year’s resolutions…again.

So, I thought it would be a good time to talk about why New Year’s Resolutions DON’T WORK and what you can do instead!

Here are some New Year’s resolutions I’ve heard before from others:

-Lose 15 pounds. 

-Quit a job I hate. 

-Finish my business website. 

-Write a book. 

-Be a better leader. 

-Practice more self-care.

Each year, hordes of people list their goals with the very best of intentions, but we all know that by mid-February, the momentum and motivation has died and people are back to their old ways…again.

Perhaps you’re even one of those people…are you?

Simply put, New Year’s resolutions don’t work because people focus on what they want, not how they’re going to do it, and why it’s important to them.

Resolutions don’t work because:

1. They focus on the outcome without addressing the change in behavior and mindset that you’ll need to achieve what you want.
2. There are too many factors out of your control, which leaves the successful accomplishment of the goal up to chance.
3. They’re usually too vague and not specific enough to sustain motivation and consistent action.
4. When you think in terms of outcomes you want, the list tends to get so big that it becomes overwhelming and will soon be ignored.

Instead of merely setting goals and resolutions, I help my coaching clients create Well-Designed Actions (the how), and the main motivation behind wanting to make these changes (the why).

Well-Designed Actions (WDAs) focus on the process of achieving what you want that helps you sustain long-term motivation and inspiration. WDAs help you create useful habits that support lifelong transformation.

Well-Designed Actions have four criteria:

1. They’re stated in the positive. WDAs focus on a small action step that you are going to do, not what you’re not going to do. For example, focusing on making a healthy choice at lunch every day this week versus I won’t eat junk food at lunch. You see? You focus on what you do want, not what you don’t want.
2. They’re completely within your control. Goals and resolutions usually have factors that are beyond your control, but WDAs put you in the driver’s seat so you have complete control over the success or failure of the action step.
3. They’re bite-sized and within a realistic timeframe. Goals that are too big or have an overly aggressive timeframe of completion can be overwhelming. Also, if you continually miss the mark of achieving the huge goal within an unrealistic time frame, you’re likely to get discouraged and give up.
4. They are specific and measurable. WDAs are useful because they’re so specific and measurable that you know without a doubt whether or not you’ve completed it. It is a tangible action step that will move you closer to your bigger goal.

The WHY Behind these WDAs

Write down why it’s important to you to follow through on these actions. Tie it to your values. Write down how your life will be different and how you will feel if you make these changes.

Here are some examples of 2023 New Year’s Resolutions turned into Well-Designed Actions.

RESOLUTION: Get in shape.

WDA: I will take a 45-minute walk during my lunch break Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week.

WHY: I want to feel confident and proud every day that I am a leader in my physical, emotional, and mental health.

RESOLUTION: Start my catering business.

WDA: I will buy my catering website domain and have a homepage, about me page, services page and contact page completed by Saturday at 6pm.

WHY: Catering and cooking for others gives me purpose and fulfillment. I know that is what I’m meant to do, and I want to wake up every day knowing that I’m making an impact in people’s lives in a way that only I can.

RESOLUTION: Save more money this year.

WDA: I will open a high-yield savings account by Monday and set up an automatic recurring transfer of $250 into the account every month.

WHY: I want to know that I’m doing my part to help my kids have financial security in the future. I do not want financial burden to be a part of my legacy. I want to experience and feel financial freedom in my post-retirement years!

I encourage you to make Well-Designed Actions and identify the WHY behind them this year instead of mere New Year’s Resolutions and goals. Try a different approach this year. Shake things up!

Instead of being in exactly the same place a year from now, ringing in 2024, take this opportunity to become who you truly want to become. Make some consistent Well-Designed Actions and WHYs starting today in order to make 2023 your best year yet!