10 Reasons Why Most New Years Resolutions Fail

Here we are, it’s the festive season again and it will soon be New Year. Time to set those New Year resolutions you have no doubt been promising yourself for a while.

Maybe it’s the same goal as last year. Maybe it’s something you have been putting off. Either way, if you’re going to set resolutions you want to stick to them.

Yet, most fail. Unfortunately that’s the harsh reality of setting goals as resolutions. But it doesn’t have to fail. Take a look at these 10 reasons why most New Years resolutions fail.

Do a little reverse engineering and avoid falling into these pitfalls. Make this year the year you keep to your resolutions!

You Make a Resolution Based on What Others Want

The number one reason people don’t stick to their resolutions is because they are not motivated to. If you set a goal because you think it’s what other people want, you will fall into this trap.

If you are being pressured by friends and peers to do something, only do it if you’re comfortable. Trying to force a change will result in failing, and de-motivating you with your other goals.

You’re an All or Nothing Person but Set the Wrong Resolutions

If you’re the kind of person who is all or nothing, set goals that fit into that mindset. Don’t try and commit to small changes or compromises. If you want to stop drinking, cut out alcohol completely.

Trying to limit yourself to say two drinks a week will not work. You will end up slipping back into whatever old habit you had.

You Set Your Goals Too Far in the Future

If you set a resolution to lose a few pounds by summer, you are probably going to wait until summer to do it. However, if you set a goal of losing 1 lb a month all the way to summer, this will keep you honest.

Too many people set goals that can be put off till later. Then later becomes much later, which becomes a fail.

You Expect to See Results Right Away

Anything worth doing takes time. Don’t expect to see results days, or even weeks after New Year’s Eve. Anything that makes a difference that quickly isn’t challenging enough or worth being a resolution.

Make at least one of your resolutions a year long goal. You risk falling back into old routines setting short term goals or expecting immediate results.

You Don’t Actually Know How to Set or Plan Goals Properly

Results are in the planning. If you don’t know how to set goals or plan for them, you are destined to fail.

If you’re goal is to lose weight you need a plan. It’s not going to happen on it’s own. You need to learn about healthier eating and exercise. Factor this learning phase into your resolution.

You’re Not Honest with What You Really Want

Do you really want to lose weight for the New Year? This is one of the most common resolutions, and also one of the most commonly failed.

You need to want it, or you will not be motivated to achieve it. Write down what you really want and be completely honest with yourself. Only chose to do something on the list.

You Don’t Have Any Support or Accountability

Support and accountability, two huge factors in motivating you to follow through with your resolutions. Can you link a resolution with a friend doing the same? Or join up and hold each other accountable?

I always share my goals with a close friend and we catch up with each other every month and compare how we are doing.

Your Support Let You Down

Unfortunately it’s a fact that people do let each other down. CHose your support network very carefully. If the person keeping you honest isn’t bothered, you risk losing interest.

Keep up with any promises you make to others too. Not only does this make you a reliable counterpart, it helps to keep you on the straight and narrow with your goals.

You Set Too Many Concurrent Resolutions

It’s tempting to set loads of goals. But you will divide your focus, and ultimately dilute your focus. You’re not trying to impress anyone other than yourself, so keep it ambitious but non-complicated.

Personally I like to focus on one thing at a time and give it 100%. This works a lot better for me than picking between several goals.

You’re Too Ambitious

Setting goals that are difficult to achieve while still be in reach is a delicate process. It takes some time and practice to get the balance right.

If you are far too ambitious you will give up before getting anywhere near your potential. Take into account some of the reasons listed in this article. You need to be motivated, interested, want it, and ultimately achieve it.

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One of my early resolutions is to help at least one person set, and stick to theirs. I hope the information in this article is useful to some of you.

Good luck, and an early happy New Year!