Why new year’s resolutions often don’t work — and how to make them stick.

Every January, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions with big dreams of getting fit, saving money, or finally tackling that never-ending to-do list. But by the time February rolls around, most of those resolutions have fizzled out. Why does this happen, and how can you actually stick to your goals this year? Let’s break it down in plain English.

Why most resolutions fail

1. The goals are too big a lot of people start with goals that are way too ambitious. Saying, “I’m going to save $20,000 this year” without a plan can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re barely scraping by at the moment. Big goals are great, but they need to feel doable.
2. Too vague resolutions like “I’ll get my finances in order” or “I’ll be healthier” sound good but don’t mean much. What does “getting your finances in order” actually look like? If you don’t define it, how will you know when you’ve succeeded?
3. No one to hold you accountable it’s easy to let yourself off the hook when no one else knows what you’re trying to do. You might skip saving that $50 this week and think, “I’ll make up for it later,” but later never comes.
4. All-or-nothing thinking a single slip-up shouldn’t derail your resolution, but many people think, “well, I missed a week at the gym, so I might as well quit.” This kind of thinking can stop progress dead in its tracks.
5. Focusing on results instead of habits we all want the results—losing weight, saving money, or paying off debt. But if you don’t focus on the daily habits that get you there, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

How to actually stick to your resolutions

1. Make your goals specific: Instead of saying, “I’ll save more money,” say, “I’ll save $50 from every paycheck and put it in my emergency fund.” Being specific makes your goal clearer and easier to follow.
2. Start small: Small changes are easier to stick with. If you want to save money, start by cutting back on one coffee a week or setting up an automatic transfer of $10 to your savings account. Over time, those little changes add up.
3. Track your progress: Whether it’s an app, a spreadsheet, or a notebook, keeping track of your progress helps you stay motivated. For example, if you’re paying off credit card debt, write down how much you’ve paid each month. Watching the balance go down feels good!
4. Get an accountability buddy: Share your goals with a friend or family member who can check in with you. If your goal is to save $1,000, tell someone so they can ask how it’s going. You’ll be less likely to quit if someone else is rooting for you.
5. Plan for setbacks: Life happens. Maybe your car breaks down, or you overspend during the holidays. Don’t give up just because you hit a bump in the road. Adjust your plan and keep going. For instance, if an emergency derails your savings, commit to getting back on track next month.
6. Tie your goals to something meaningful: Saving money just for the sake of saving might not be enough to keep you motivated. But saving to take your family on a holiday or buy your first home? That’s exciting. Focus on the “why” behind your goal.

Let’s use a real-life example

Say your new year’s resolution is to pay off a $5,000 credit card balance. Here’s how you can make it work:

• Be specific: Instead of saying, “I’ll pay off my credit card,” break it into smaller goals like, “I’ll pay $200 a month toward my card.”
• Start small: If $200 feels like too much, start with $50. The important thing is to build the habit.
• Track it: Write down every payment you make so you can see your progress.
• Accountability: Share your plan with a friend or partner who can cheer you on.
• Prepare for challenges: If an unexpected expense comes up, don’t panic. Pay what you can and pick up where you left off.

The key to success: Focus on progress, not perfection

You don’t have to do everything perfectly to make progress. Even small steps add up over time. This year, try to focus on creating better habits instead of chasing big, overwhelming goals. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience and persistence, you can make it happen.

So, what’s your plan for this year? Let’s make this the year we actually follow through!