Why Resolutions Fail (And What You Can Do About It)

Every year we go through the same cycle: we indulge in the holiday season, reflect on our year, and set goals for the next. "This year will be different, " we tell ourselves, except you know very well that we lose track by February. If you struggle to keep your New Year's resolution, read on to find out why, and what you can do to establish change that you can maintain all year long.

It's Not What You Actually Want

Maybe your resolution isn't really about you. Of course, don't let it stop you from giving back. Your goals don't have to be selfish. What matters is that they should reflect on your values. Many fall into the trap of setting goals they think they should do. Unless keeping up with the Joneses is a strong motivation for you, you'll feel little incentive to keep going.

Do This Instead!

When you decide what your resolution will be, reflect on your "why." Why do you want to do it? Is it to meet the expectations of others, or is it something that will truly make you happier? Prioritize yourself when you make your resolutions - then you can focus on your loved ones better.

Your Goal Isn't Specific Enough (Or Too Specific)

The most common New Year's resolutions are often "exercise more" and "save money," but it's such a broad statement that it holds no meaning. You want to build your savings, but how much do you want to save? Ten dollars or a thousand? It's easier to give up when you don't have a plan or a target goal to achieve. Similar to not having a specific enough goal, you can also give up quickly if it's too detailed. A resolution that is too time-consuming and with too many steps can be overwhelming and will set you up for failure.

Do This Instead!

Be realistic, and set a plan in motion that you know you can manage. Set one achievable goal or divide a larger resolution into small steps. Be detailed but simple about your desired results. If you want to save money, define an amount, and what changes you can make to reach it. One example would be limiting your takeouts or cooking at home throughout the week.

You Haven't Tried New Routines

What works for friends or celebrities may not work for you. By trying to do things exactly how someone else does it, may be your downfall. No one has the same mental processes; why assume you function the same way as them?

Do This Instead!

Keep picking yourself back up by trying something new each time after you lose track. Maybe you don't have the patience to log your meals in a food journal, but you enjoy preparing your meals ahead of time. There are countless paths to success; you only have to find the one that works for you.

You Have a Negative Mindset About Your Goal

Having resolutions means there's an aspect with you or your life you feel like could be better - and that's okay. However, it becomes counterproductive if you're also unhappy with what you have to do to improve yourself. If you focus on what you don't like about your present self, or if you see your changes as unpleasant chores, you're less likely to maintain your routine.

Do This Instead!

Switch your negative affirmations into more positive language by turning your "have to" to "want to." Instead of saying, "I have to go to the gym every day," think, "I go to the gym because I deserve to have a strong and healthy body."

You're Counting on Your Future Self to Be Better

The reason why New Year's resolutions exist is that we expect our future selves to have the patience and determination that we currently don't have. The problem is, you don't really change. That's why we procrastinate and always say "tomorrow" - we're pushing the baggage onto someone else, even if that person is ourselves.

Do This Instead!

As Abraham Lincoln once said, "You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." We can't expect "New Year, New Me" to feel or think differently, but we can make immediate changes. If you plan on starting a new workout routine or hobby, take the initiative today. You can break the rules a little by improving your current self for a better tomorrow.

Start Your Resolutions Today

Whether you skipped resolutions this year, or you already gave up, it's not too late to pursue your goals. Believe in yourself; don't wonder what will happen if you fail, and envision how life will be like when you accomplish your resolutions. Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." Most importantly, view your new habits as lifelong changes that will benefit you for years to come.