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Why Ditching Your New Year’s Resolutions Might Be the Best Thing You Do All Year

January 17 is Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day, the day when gym parking lots typically start to empty, planners gather dust, and our best intentions quietly slip back into the “maybe next week” pile.

The day exists for one simple reason: a large percentage of people have already given up on their resolutions by now. But instead of feeling guilty about it, maybe it’s time to ask why resolutions fail, and how we can turn that early burnout into better long-term growth.

Why Resolutions Don’t Stick

New Year’s resolutions sound good in theory. They give us a sense of control and a clean slate. But the way we set them up often guarantees failure.

Common reasons resolutions fade fast:

  • They’re too vague. “Get fit” or “be more organized” aren’t goals—they’re wishes without a plan.
  • They’re too ambitious. Trying to overhaul your life in a week usually ends in frustration.
  • They rely on willpower alone. Motivation is fleeting. Systems are what keep progress going.
  • They lack feedback loops. If you can’t see small wins, you lose steam quickly.
  • They don’t fit your lifestyle. Forcing a new habit that doesn’t align with your schedule or energy levels rarely lasts.

It’s not that we lack discipline; it’s that resolutions often skip the most important step—planning how change will actually happen.

Coffee mug and pen on a wooden table, along with a note about SMART goal setting. Caption reads: "The reason that goals are more beneficial than resolutions is that goals are more specific and action oriented than resolutions, which makes it easier to create a plan to achieve them." - Ashira Prossack, internationally recognized communication coach and trainer

Goals, Not Resolutions

The word resolution implies a one-time decision. A goal implies a process. That small shift in language changes everything.

When you set goals instead of resolutions:

  • You focus on progress, not perfection.
  • You can adapt your plan when life changes.
  • You measure success by consistency, not intensity.
  • You view setbacks as part of the process, not the end of it.

Example: Instead of “I’m going to run five miles every morning,” try “I’ll move my body four times a week and increase gradually.” One approach invites failure; the other allows flexibility and success.

How to Keep Goals Going (Without Burning Out)

Long-term success depends on sustainable habits, not quick fixes. Here’s how to build momentum that lasts:

  • Start small. Pick one manageable goal to begin with and build from there.
  • Create routines, not rules. Routines make actions automatic, while rigid rules invite rebellion.
  • Track your wins. Progress, no matter how minor, reinforces commitment.
  • Schedule recovery. Burnout sneaks in when you push too hard without rest.
  • Celebrate milestones. Recognizing effort keeps morale high and motivation steady.

Think of it like running a marathon. You don’t sprint the first mile; you pace yourself, take breaks, and celebrate each checkpoint.

Coffee mug sitting on a wooden table with block letters next to it spelling out “Set Goals Not Limits.” Caption reads: “Obstacles may arise from a lack of resources, unexpected roadblocks, or unforeseen circumstances. It may be necessary to adjust a strategy, pivot, or allocate additional resources to ensure that goals are achieved. This process requires regular check-ins, communication, and flexibility." Hanson Cheng, Cofounder, ContentSprout

Accountability and Adjustment

Even the best-laid goals need fine-tuning. Instead of waiting until next January to reflect, check in monthly or quarterly:

  • What’s working?
  • What needs adjusting?
  • Have your priorities shifted?

Pair that reflection with accountability—through a mentor, team, or even a digital tracker—and you’ll find that small, regular check-ins do more for progress than one big burst of New Year enthusiasm.

A Mindset Shift That Lasts All Year

Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day isn’t about giving up, but about letting go of unrealistic expectations and starting fresh with a better framework. The goal is maintainable progress, not perfection.

Whether you’re writing documentation, building training programs, or improving your health, the same rule applies: consistency beats intensity every time.

So, if you’ve already ditched your resolution, congratulations. You’re just in time to start something that actually works.

 
Related Blogs

Year-End Reflection and Setting Professional Goals for the New Year

Help! My Goals Already Seem Overwhelming!

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading in a Digital Age

  

References

Cheng, Hanson. “How To Use Accountability To Define & Reach Your Goals.” Hive. 5/12/23. Accessed 12/18/25. https://hive.com/blog/goal-accountability 

Prossack, Ashira. “Why You Should Set Goals, Not Resolutions This Year.” Forbes. 12/31/21. Accessed 12/18/25. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2021/12/31/why-you-should-set-goals-not-resolutions-this-year 

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