Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail and What You Should Do Instead

Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail and What You Should Do Instead
0

It’s incredibly hard to break out of old habits.

Did you look forward to the holidays for a short rest to recharge your batteries, reflect upon your business and then start planning for the new year?
Many of my clients share that they enjoy the short break, but then harsh reality of life quickly sets in, and they complain about being tired, overworked and burned out. Can you relate? Most entrepreneurs and executives have high-performance expectations for themselves and can feel disappointed with their lack of progress regarding their health, relationships and their revenues after reflecting upon the past year. That’s when we are now convinced that something’s gotta change, right?
Suddenly, we are empowered and excited by moving into the “New Year.” We come up with all sorts of New Year’s resolution ideas. It’s our chance to start fresh like a new baby. We get in the car and rush to join the gym (again) while setting some great New Year’s resolutions for our body and our business, thinking to ourselves, This is it, this is my new year of success, prosperity and happiness.
A lot of people have great resolution ideas to achieve their goals, like automatic bank transfers for saving money and a new smartwatch to help with weight loss. However, statistics show that only 9.2 percent of people ever achieve their New Year’s resolutions and break free from their bad habits.

I believe that New Year’s resolutions not only don’t work but can make matters worse. Most people live in a safe comfort zone where they have scripted their life with their subconscious mind. The subconscious acts as a recording that repeats the same song over and over again. We might be telling ourselves all day long that we want something different from our past but, in vain, our history plays back by default, and we get the same results.
Do I need to remind you about the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing and expecting different results? Now that I have hopefully touched a sensitive nerve, you are probably asking, “So why do most New Year’s resolutions fail? If they don’t work, then what does work?

The reasons why most New Year’s resolutions fail

Unfortunately, most of us create too much resistance by injecting too many resolutions and goals into our minds. We write down a long list of stuff like the following.

  • Double business revenues.
  • Get more online reviews.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Quit drinking.
  • Lose weight.
  • Spend more time with friends and family.
  • Read more books.
  • Eat more healthy food or stop eating junk food.
  • Learn to play an instrument.
  • Learn a new skill, like social media marketing.
  • Meet new people.
  • Travel more.
    This process results in setting too many expectations and creating unrealistic goals. We end up with a long list of trying to do everything at once, relying on our emotions to keep us motivated until we achieve them.
    So, what should you do instead of making New Year’s resolutions?Change just one of your habits that creates the most change.

    I discovered that making just one small change in your daily repetitive routine is a crucial step to alleviate the resistance that comes with change.

    Remember that real change takes time, effort and patience. According to research from University College London, it takes about 66 days to completely break an old habit, and it can take much longer to master something new. While you are anchoring this unique pattern of action into your life, you are also uploading a new program in your subconscious. To stay motivated, it is important to celebrate even the smallest positive changes.

    As you transform, it is very natural to experience different waves of emotion as you become more aware of how you feel. Honestly, self-awareness is the key to unlock all your potential for success.

    21 habits of highly successful people

    What do highly successful entrepreneurs have in common? They share productive habits that lead to prolific action which translates into positive outcomes and results!

    Ultra-successful people like Bill Gates, Daymond John, Oprah, Richard Branson, Marcus Lemonis, Deepak Chopra and even Napoleon Bonaparte all share everyday habits that are proven to produce success:

    Here’s just a list of the 21 habits of successful entrepreneurs:

    They keep a journal.
    They talk to themselves in a mirror.
    They meditate.
    They read.
    They embrace their fears.
    They know that failure is part of success.
    They associate with only positive people.
    They set intentions.
    They talk to the universe.
    They are thankful.
    They prioritize their time.
    They don’t sweat the small stuff.
    They focus on what they can control.
    They actively listen.
    They enjoy money as a byproduct of their dream.
    They don’t count on luck.
    They love having fun and celebrate.
    They forgive themselves and others.
    They never give up but will change when needed.
    They don’t make rash or emotional decisions.
    They listen to their intuition.
    Hopefully, you noticed that most of these new habits are not activities, like going to the gym.
    Instead, they relate to creating new patterns for your thoughts. Once you change your thoughts, your habits and actions will automatically change, too.
    It typically takes 21 days to shift into a new gear, so don’t give up! In his bestselling book Psycho-Cybernetics, author Dr. Maxwell Maltz says the “human mind takes almost exactly 21 days to adjust to a major life change.” Even though his research was originally on traumatic life events, he claims the principle applies “universally” and works just as well on positive changes.
    If you can stick with it for only 21 days, you will have an excellent chance to succeed in achieving your goal because you changed just one habit. Commitment is key! You can do anything for 21 days, right?
    Don’t worry if you fail for that day, just keep going to the next day and the next day after that. Remember to celebrate your small victories, so you train your subconscious brain to program you for continued success.
    Start by doing something about today and don’t waste your time thinking about why it may not work, or you won’t do it. Your one new daily habit will soon replace your motivation, and it will become a consistent part of your life, like brushing your teeth.

    source:

Related Blogs

  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/The-Art-of-Networking-Holiday-Edition-236x168.jpg
    Dec 29, 2023
    The Art of Networking:…

    The Art of Networking: Holiday Edition Networking is always essential for professionals who wish to grow, find new patterns and opportunities. Moreover, it is vital..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Maximising-your-career-potential-Stay-organised-and-prioritise-goals-during-the-holiday-season-236x168.jpg
    Dec 15, 2023
    Maximising your career potential:…

    Maximising your career potential: Stay organised and prioritise goals during the holiday season The new year is getting closer, and we are officially just a..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/The-Future-of-Work-Hybrid-and-Remote-Jobs-in-Cyprus-236x168.jpg
    Dec 1, 2023
    The Future of Work:…

    In recent years, especially during and after the pandemic, the need for remote and hybrid positions increased in Cyprus. Remote and hybrid working was really..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Career-path-Is-it-ever-late-for-a-new-Career-Challenge-236x168.jpg
    Sep 8, 2023
    Career Path and is…

    An activity that a person devotes a significant amount of their life to and that gives opportunities for progress is referred to as a career...

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/18-Valuable-HR-Lessons-Learned-Through-Hands-On-Experience-236x168.jpg
    Jul 21, 2023
    18 Valuable HR Lessons…

    While formal education provides a solid foundation for a career in human resources (HR), there are certain invaluable lessons that can only be acquired through..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/11-Words-To-Describe-The-Ideal-Employee-According-To-These-Business-Leaders-236x168.jpg
    Jun 23, 2023
    11 Words To Describe…

    When it comes to hiring someone for their team, nearly every employer likely already has an image of their ideal candidate in mind. Whether it’s..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/When-Focus-Beats-Options-3-Myths-To-Bust-In-Order-To-Embrace-Your-Limits-And-Succeed-236x168.jpg
    May 12, 2023
    When Focus Beats Options:…

    Developing new business relationships can be tricky. The development professional works towards a deal, the hours rack up, and yet there is no certainty of..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/The-Evolving-Science-Of-Stress-How-To-Tap-Into-The-Upside-Of-Stress-While-Avoiding-Its-Downside.jpg
    Apr 28, 2023
    The Evolving Science Of…

    April is Stress Awareness Month, when there will be a flurry of articles about managing stress. That is a good thing, up to a point...

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/The-Power-Of-Mindset-How-Curiosity-And-Humility-Can-Drive-Career-Success-236x168.jpg
    Apr 21, 2023
    The Power Of Mindset:…

    I’ve recently finished writing a book on essential future skills, and if I had to pick one skill that underpinned all the other skills in..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Why-Prioritizing-Soft-Skills-in-Hiring-is-Crucial-to-The-Modern-Workplace-236x168.jpg
    Mar 10, 2023
    Why Prioritizing Soft Skills…

    Soft skills are the personal qualities that enable an individual to communicate effectively, work well in a team, and adapt to changing situations. In today's modern workplace,..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/How-HR-Professionals-Can-Effectively-Balance-the-Needs-of-the-Employees-and-the-Business-236x168.jpg
    Feb 3, 2023
    How HR Professionals Can…

    Some could easily argue that the human resources (HR) department is not a "revenue-generating" service. We don't create new products, interface with the traditional customer daily, or..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Why-Startup-Companies-Need-Structured-HR-236x168.jpg
    Dec 2, 2022
    Why Startup Companies Need…

    Developing an active HR function in your business show that you value your employees and their business in your enterprise Growing startups and small and..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Your-Companys-Greatest-Investment-is-your-people-236x168.jpg
    Nov 4, 2022
    Your Company’s Greatest Investment…

    In this competitive market, companies are struggling to not only retain but also grow their talent pools as they expand. Attractive salaries are important, but..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/10-Tips-to-Motivate-Employees-Without-Resorting-to-Money-236x168.jpg
    Oct 27, 2022
    10 Tips to Motivate…

    Nothing is better for the bottom line than employees who are motivated to work for psychic benefits. Are you looking for ways to motivate your..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/The-power-of-ONE-Tackling-One-Day-Email-Or-Article-At-A-Time-236x168.jpg
    Oct 7, 2022
    The Power Of ‘One’:…

    The power of one is mesmerizing. We don't realize it, but it can change how we see things. It can help us focus and help..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/How-To-Successfully-Promote-From-Within-236x168.jpg
    Sep 30, 2022
    How To Successfully Promote…

    Businesses used to have a relatively easy time finding talented employees to fill all their job vacancies. That changed in 2021 when 47.4 million workers voluntarily..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/5-Ways-to-Recharge-Your-Batteries-During-the-Holiday-Break-236x168.jpg
    Aug 19, 2022
    5 Ways to Recharge…

    Are you the type of workaholic that has a difficult time sitting still during holidays? Do you typically go stir crazy during family visits or..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Finding-Your-Focus-Through-Deep-Work-236x168.jpg
    Jul 29, 2022
    Finding Your Focus Through…

    It happens all the time. You start out the day with great intentions to get that financial report done or to work on your marketing..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/The-Secret-For-Conducting-Successful-Brainstorming-Sessions-236x168.jpg
    Jul 15, 2022
    The Secret For Conducting…

    A lot can be riding on the outcome of corporate brainstorming sessions. The list includes the need to come up with ideas for the creation..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/How-to-Know-Its-Time-to-Add-an-HR-Department-236x168.jpg
    Jun 24, 2022
    How to Know It’s…

    HR activities at startups are often reactive in nature instead of proactive. That leaves gaps in the system. When starting their businesses, most entrepreneurs tend..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/How-to-Keep-Working-When-Youre-Just-Not-Feeling-It-236x168.jpg
    Jun 10, 2022
    How to Keep Working…

    Motivating yourself is hard. In fact, I often compare it to one of the exploits of the fictional German hero Baron Munchausen: Trying to sustain..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/How-to-Speak-Up-in-a-Meeting-and-When-to-Hold-Back-236x168.jpg
    May 20, 2022
    How to Speak Up…

    I recently spent a month interviewing the group heads of a large financial services company in order to understand how their direct reports need to communicate..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2-Be-Honest-You-Miss-Your-Co-Workers-236x168.jpg
    May 13, 2022
    Be Honest: You Miss…

    Loneliness is the top reason why nearly half of the remote workforce wants to return to the office after COVID-19. Here are six tactics to..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/What-to-Do-When-Youre-Covering-for-Colleagues-—-and-Cant-Keep-Up-236x168.jpg
    Apr 29, 2022
    What to Do When…

    The summer vacation season may be behind us, but the holidays are right around the corner. And soon enough your colleagues may be asking you..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Go-Ahead-Reveal-Your-Failures-to-Colleagues-236x168.jpg
    Feb 25, 2022
    Go Ahead, Reveal Your…

    Talking about office disasters is key to better productivity and healthy competition. We all have our share of office-related horror stories. From the incorrect market..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/lady-cover-her-head-by-pillow-bed_1150-6972-236x168.jpg
    Feb 18, 2022
    How to Make Yourself…

    There’s that project you’ve left on the backburner – the one with the deadline that’s growing uncomfortably near.  And there’s the client whose phone call..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5-Ways-To-Break-Your-Burnout-And-Work-Addiction-236x168.jpg
    Jan 28, 2022
    5 Ways To Break…

    It’s time to face the situation and to find out what you can do in order to break the dangerous cycles. Here are 5 main..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3-Practical-Ways-to-Be-More-Productive-236x168.jpg
    Jan 7, 2022
    3 Practical Ways to…

    Early in my corporate career, I was masterful at replying to emails instantaneously and staying on top of the multitude of requests I received from..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-vacations-we-dont-take-and-the-price-we-pay-236x168.jpg
    Sep 30, 2021
    The Vacations We Don’t…

    When was the last date you took a vacation? Did you know that not taking a break also has consequences? The Mexican startup Worky, a..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/5-Ways-To-Quickly-Master-A-New-Subject-At-Work-1-236x168.jpg
    May 28, 2021
    5 Ways To Quickly…

    The world is constantly changing, and successful organizations adapt to new circumstances. The ability of organizations to adapt depends on their professionals being willing and..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-First-Four-Things-You-Should-Do-Every-Workday-236x168.jpg
    Feb 5, 2021
    The First Four Things…

    Ever find that it’s noon and you haven’t accomplished anything on your to-do list? Get a productive jump-start on the day with these tasks. I..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Deep-Work-Prioritizing-Work-That-Matters-236x168.jpg
    Jan 29, 2021
    Deep Work: Prioritizing Work…

    Fascinated by habits and patterns, I started to observe and pay attention to find value in my day-to-day activities — the ones we always do..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/How-To-Set-Goals-That-Actually-Work-236x168.jpg
    Sep 18, 2020
    How To Set Goals…

    Back in the day, company leadership would decree their mission and hand down their goals to all their employees. While a few companies still do..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Prepare-new-employees-for-Success-236x168.jpg
    May 1, 2020
    Ideal Team Size at…

    The Ideal Team Size At Work May Be Smaller Than You Think Close your eyes for a moment. Think back to all the teams you..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Effective-Jobsearch-236x168.jpg
    Mar 6, 2020
    Effective Job Search

    The Key To Carrying Out A Productive And Effective Job Search In my experience as a career coach, I have found that people who are..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Promote-Yourself-236x168.jpg
    Jan 31, 2020
    Promote Yourself Right!

    3 Ways To Promote Yourself And Advance Your Career For Free In today’s digital world, if you don’t have a stellar social media presence, you..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Super-power-at-Work-236x168.jpg
    Oct 25, 2019
    Super power at Work

    What Is Your Super Power At Work? Do you know that every person who works for you has a super power? Well, they do. Superman..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/the-interview-question-236x168.jpg
    Sep 27, 2019
    The Interview Question

    The Interview Question You Need To Answer Right: ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ “I bombed the interview.” This was a message I got from a brand..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Attitude-vs-IQ-236x168.jpg
    Jul 19, 2019
    Attitude vs IQ

    Why Attitude Is More Important Than IQ When it comes to success, it’s easy to think that people blessed with brains are inevitably going to..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/successful-people-236x168.png
    Jun 28, 2019
    Successful People

    13 Difficult Things Highly Successful People Learn To Do Young To invent a product, turn a profit or start a business is to be accomplished. To..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Employee-Empowerment-236x168.jpg
    Jun 21, 2019
    Employee Empowerment

    4 Leadership Methods for Empowering Employees and Building Strong Teams Realizing your responsibility to lead can be scary, but done right, leadership breaks down to..

    0 Read More
  • https://www.advancecareer.com.cy/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Career-Summer-Checkup-236x168.jpg
    Jun 14, 2019
    Career Summer Checkup

    A Career Summer Checkup For Professional Growth Whether you’re graduating college or gearing up for your first fiscal year-end performance conversation, the summer months represent..

    0 Read More