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Personal growth and ambition, the beginning of a new year typically ignites a fire of resolve and vows to improve. Gyms have been packed, books have been purchased, and goal-setting notebooks have been filled. But, let's face it, most people's fires burn out quickly. What is the harsh reality?
Only around 8% of individuals keep their New Year's resolutions.
The 8% refers to a study conducted by Strava, the social network for athletes, which documented over 800 million user-logged activities in 2019. This research found that most people give up on their New Year's resolutions by the second Friday of each year, a day Strava dubbed "Quitter's Day." This research also found that a small percentage of people, roughly 8-9%, successfully maintain their New Year's resolutions.
What is the source of this pitifully low figure? It all boils down to a few fundamental flaws: unreasonable goals, poor preparation, dwindling desire, and an apparent lack of accountability.
New Years Resolutions: Be a 8% Person
Let's focus on the top 8% - the people who make goals and then crush them. What sets them apart? It's not only sheer luck or inherent talent. These people commit to following a formula:
Set realistic goals.
Break them down into stages.
Monitor their progress regularly.
Adapt to changes.
Surround themselves with a support network that holds them accountable.
They understand that success is a marathon rather than a sprint.
New Years Resolutions: Taking Charge
So, how can you join this exclusive club of achievers? It isn't about grand gestures or dramatic transformations that occur suddenly. It's about learning how to make and keep resolutions to ensure success.
Click here for our programs designed to motivate you to achieve your New Year's resolutions, turning aspirations into achievements.
Begin Small
The first step is to create small, specific goals for yourself. Fluffy goals like "get fit" or "be happier" will ensure failure. Set measurable goals like "work out three times a week" or "read a self development book for 30 minutes every evening." You're lost in the woods if you need a route map.
Plan Carefully
After you've determined your specific objectives, plan systematically. This is more than just writing down what you want to achieve; it's developing the road map to getting there, step-by-step. You need to write down what resources you require. Understand the difficulties you are likely to encounter and how you will overcome them. Planning is ongoing and requires constant revision and refinement.
Accountability on Demand
Accountability is the mooring line that keeps your ship afloat through turbulent seas. Share your goals with someone who can hold you responsible, such as a friend, coach, or mentor. Find someone who shares your goals and work together. When you realise someone is counting on you, the desire to postpone vanishes.
Maintain Your Adaptability
The journey to your destination will be challenging at times. You will face difficulties, and your situation may change. The key is to be adaptable. Don't cling to a method that is no longer working. Prepare to review your plan and make modifications as necessary. Flexibility is a strength, not a weakness.
Build a Solid Support System
Finally, surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you. This might be a group of people who share your aims, a professional network, or friends. Your surroundings are crucial to your success; make sure they support growth and positivity.
Final Thoughts
Keeping resolutions involves planning, dedication, and perseverance, not luck or natural talent. The 8% that succeed aren't superhumans; they understand the art of setting and executing goals in a realistic, planned, and flexible manner.
As you focus on your goals, remember to start small, prepare well, seek responsibility, be adaptable, and create a supportive environment. You're not just setting goals with this strategy; you're establishing the framework for long-term improvement.