Hack your New Year's resolution

Sticking to Your New Year's Resolutions: A Guide to Success

It's that time of year again – New Year, New Me! As the calendar flips over to January, many of us set lofty resolutions with the hope of improving ourselves in the year ahead. Whether it’s losing weight, hitting the gym regularly, or learning something new, the excitement of a fresh start is invigorating. But let’s be real – sticking to these resolutions is hard. The initial excitement quickly fades, and by the time February rolls around, the statistics show that most people have already given up.

In this post, I’m going to share some strategies to help you stick to your resolutions and make sure 2025 is your year to succeed. Stay tuned and let’s dive in!

Why New Year's Resolutions Fail

According to a study from the University of Scranton, only 8% of people who set New Year’s resolutions actually achieve them. That’s a pretty grim statistic, but it doesn’t have to be your story. The biggest problem with resolutions is that we often focus too much on the goal itself, without thinking about how we’re going to get there. It’s like deciding you want to run a marathon but not having a plan for how to train.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, puts it perfectly: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.” What does this mean? In simple terms, your systems — or the daily habits and actions you take — are the foundation that will either make or break your success. If your system is not aligned with your goal, you’ll struggle to reach it.

Breaking It Down: Achieving Your Resolutions

Here’s the good news: it’s not too late to turn things around. Let’s break down how to actually achieve your New Year’s resolutions, starting with the basics.

1. Start Small It’s tempting to go all-in at the start of the year, but big changes can be overwhelming. Instead of jumping in with a huge, unrealistic goal, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if you want to get fit, don’t aim to work out for two hours a day right off the bat. Start with 15-minute workouts a few times a week and gradually increase the intensity.

2. Track Your Progress Tracking your progress is essential for staying motivated. If your goal is fitness-related, keep a journal or use an app to track your workouts. Take progress photos and compare them over time. You may not notice small changes day to day, but over the course of a few weeks, you’ll be amazed at the results. Tracking also helps you stay accountable to your goals.

3. Focus on Systems, Not Goals The key to success is focusing on the process, not just the end result. Instead of obsessing over the outcome, put your energy into the steps that will get you there. For example, instead of fixating on losing 20 pounds, focus on building a consistent exercise routine and making healthier food choices each day. As James Clear suggests, systems will take you further than goals alone.

4. Consistency Over Motivation Motivation is fleeting; consistency is what makes the difference. Most people give up when motivation wanes, but if you stick with it, even on days when you don’t feel like it, you’re already ahead of 80% of the population. The magic happens when you commit to small, consistent efforts over time. It’s the old adage: “Small efforts repeated over time lead to big results.”

5. Give Yourself Grace You won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. You’re going to miss a workout, indulge in that slice of pizza, or skip a day of studying. The key is not to get discouraged. Don’t throw in the towel just because you missed a step. Give yourself grace, learn from your setbacks, and stay focused on the long game.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, consistency is the secret sauce to achieving your resolutions. If you stay consistent and focused, you’re already doing better than most people. Remember, professional athletes, top performers, and successful individuals didn’t get there by doing things right once — they did it repeatedly, even when it wasn’t fun.

So, as we kick off this year, stay motivated by the knowledge that if you make it through the first six weeks of the year, you’re ahead of 80% of those who set resolutions. And if you’re struggling, remember: progress isn’t always linear, but consistency pays off in the long run.

Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to check out more tips and insights here at Beer and Bayonets. We’re here to help you take on 2025 with confidence — one small step at a time!