Why Resolutions Break Faster Than Your Holiday Budget
- We Aim for the Moon
“I’ll work out every day!” “I’ll never eat chocolate again!” Sound familiar? These all-or-nothing goals are exciting but leave no room for, well, being human. One missed workout or slip-up feels like failure, so we quit. - We Focus on What We Don’t Want
Many resolutions are built around avoidance: “Stop eating junk food,” “Quit procrastinating.” While these sound noble, our brains don’t love the negativity. Focusing on what not to do often backfires, making the forbidden even more tempting. - We Wing It Resolutions like “be healthier” or “save money” are vague. Without a concrete plan, they become more of a wish than an action. And wishes, sadly, don’t survive the chaos of everyday life.
- We Aim for the Moon
Here’s the Secret: Approach-Oriented Goals
What if, instead of focusing on what we can’t do, we flip the script? Enter approach-oriented goals.
- Avoidance goal: “Stop eating junk food.”
- Approach goal: “Eat more vegetables.”
See the difference? One is about deprivation; the other is about growth. Our brains love positive action—small wins feel rewarding and keep us motivated.
How to Actually Crush Your Goals This Year
- Make Your Goals SMART
That’s Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. “Eat two servings of veggies daily” beats “eat healthier” any day. - Start Small, Win Big
Dream big, but start tiny. Want to run a marathon? Begin with a 10-minute jog twice a week. Every small win builds momentum. - Create Habits, Not Pressure
Focus on consistent habits rather than dramatic outcomes. Cooking at home twice a week is more sustainable (and fun) than crash dieting. - Prepare for Real Life
Life happens. You’ll skip workouts, eat cake, or oversleep. Plan for these moments, and don’t let them derail you. Progress isn’t perfect—it’s persistent. - Track and Celebrate
Keep a journal, use an app, or just give yourself a high-five. Celebrate even the tiniest milestones—it’s fuel for your motivation.
Your Invitation to Succeed
Resolutions don’t have to be daunting or short-lived. By shifting your focus to positive, approach-oriented goals and taking small, consistent steps, you can set yourself up for success that lasts well beyond January.
This year, let’s do things differently. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. What’s one exciting, realistic step you’ll take toward your goals in 2025? Share it in the comments below or challenge a friend to join you on this journey. Let’s make 2025 the year we turn resolutions into reality—one step at a time!