Stats show that more than 26 million adults aged 50 and older will create at least one New Year’s resolution for 2025.1,2
However, by the second Friday in January, many people will have already abandoned their plan. In fact, the second Friday of January is known as “Quitter’s Day” because so many people throw in the towel by then.3
Most well-meaning people lose momentum for a couple of reasons. First, their hearts are not in it. They’re making their resolutions just to check the box. They have no intention of following through. Second, they’ve hit an obstacle that they’ve decided not to overcome. Or maybe the goal was just too big. Or perhaps nobody was looking, so why bother to continue?4
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
If you’re sincere, and you’re setting resolutions to make a change in your life, psychologists have a few tips that can help you improve your chances of success.5
Tip #1: Connect your goals with your values. While this may sound intuitive, it’s surprising how many people create goals that don’t have any connection with their own value structures.
Tip #2: Don’t be too ambitious with your goals. Remember, it’s much easier to make small, gradual changes than to make a large change quickly. Small steps can add up.
Tip #3: Get set up for success. Setting goals is easy, pursuing goals is hard. If your goal is to get into better shape, set the realistic goal of going to the gym two days a week and have a plan to increase that to three days a week by a certain time.
Tip #4: Be open about your goals. Tell your family and friends about your goals. They may surprise you with their support and help hold you accountable!
Tip #5: Consider a support group. The publication Psychology Today found that people who connect with groups are more likely to feel engaged and supported. Much like talking with family members, a support group can help you stay motivated and focused.
“Keep your eyes open. Seek God’s guidance. You will end up where He wants you to be,” writes Mick Owens, author of the popular book Diamond of Life: The Five P’s of Success and Significance. He explained that cfd Investments, Inc., guides its clients with the simple idea of, “You’ve Gotta Have A Plan.” ⓒ
Final thought: As you consider setting goals, think about routines that can help support your resolutions. If your goal is to get in better shape, find a friend you can meet at the gym. Psychology Today also reported that new routines can lead to better habits, which can improve your chances of New Year’s success.
- PewResearch.org, January 29, 2024
- Census.gov, May 23, 2023
- Fortune.com, January 12, 2024
- Fisher.OSU.edu, February 2, 2023
- PsychologyToday.com, December 30, 2022
