Why New Year Resolutions Fail Managers
Episode 35: Forget Resolutions - Let's Try Something New
Resolutions rely on willpower you will not have in March. A different way to set the change you want and actually hold it.
Why do my goals never last past February?
Also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
What this episode covers
Many leaders find their goals and resolutions falter by February, leading to frustration and lost momentum. This episode challenges the traditional approach to New Year’s resolutions, highlighting why they often fail. Jimmy Burroughes introduces 'resolutioning,' a flexible, problem-solving method that focuses on curiosity and small sustainable steps rather than rigid targets. Listeners will learn how to identify true motivation, form lasting habits, and keep goals alive throughout the year. If you’re tired of setting goals that don’t stick, this episode offers a fresh perspective and practical advice to change that pattern.
Who this is for: General managers and senior operators struggling to maintain team goals beyond early in the year, seeking practical ways to improve lasting performance.
Key takeaways
- Setting New Year’s resolutions often fails because goals are unrealistic and lack ongoing motivation beyond January.
- Understanding the science of habit formation helps identify what truly drives behaviour change for lasting results.
- The concept of 'resolutioning' encourages flexible, problem-focused goal setting rather than fixed resolutions.
- Starting small and maintaining curiosity supports sustainable habit development and prevents early burnout.
- Regularly reviewing progress and adapting goals keeps motivation alive and prevents slipping back into old habits.
Ever found yourself wrestling with the idea of New Year's resolutions, only to end up on a merry-go-round of unmet expectations and dashed hopes? In this week's episode, I challenge the traditional concept of New Year's resolutions. I dive into the common pitfalls of setting unrealistic goals in January and explore the reasons why most resolutions fail by the end of the month. Instead of traditional resolutions, I suggest adopting a more dynamic approach—what I call "resolutioning." Sounds interesting? Make sure you tune in!
Episode Highlights
(2:27) Personal experiences with resolutions and the limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach
(4:19) The science of habit formation and the importance of identifying underlying motivation
(5:51) Introducing the concept of "resolutioning" as a problem-solving approach
(8:47) Embracing curiosity, exploration, and starting small for sustainable habit formation
(10:55) Share your resolutioning experiences–I’d love to hear from it
(14:35) Outro
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Questions managers ask about this episode
Why do my goals usually fail after January?
Goals often fail because they are set unrealistically in January without considering ongoing motivation or habit formation, leading to early burnout and loss of interest.
What is a better alternative to traditional New Year’s resolutions?
The episode suggests 'resolutioning,' a flexible, problem-focused approach that emphasises starting small, exploring options, and adapting goals rather than fixed resolutions.
How can understanding habit formation improve goal success?
Understanding habit formation reveals the importance of underlying motivation and starting with manageable changes, which helps build sustainable behaviours over time.
How can managers keep their teams motivated beyond the initial goal-setting phase?
Managers should encourage curiosity, allow exploration of different approaches, and regularly review progress to adjust goals, keeping motivation and momentum alive throughout the year.