Achieving New Year's Goal

A gentle guide to why most New Year's resolutions fail and how choosing one meaningful, realistic goal helps create lasting, sustainable change.

To achieve a New Year’s goal, I often remind my clients to start small, stay consistent, enjoy the process, and remember a few rules.

1. Understanding Why Resolutions Fail

As a new year begins, many of us set intentions with genuine hope. And yet, it’s common to feel discouraged or to slip early on. There is nothing wrong with you when this happens. It simply means the goals were too big, too many, or not truly aligned with what you want for yourself. Your goals must come from your own heart. When they do, commitment feels natural, steady, and even fun.

2. The Power of One Meaningful Goal

Begin by choosing one goal that truly matters to you. I mean deep down. Meet it with calm consistency. Start with one simple action. Example: moving your body a little more, eating with more awareness, or taking one small step toward a change you deeply desire.

3. Building Habits That Last

Lasting change grows from habits you can sustain. Think of it as learning to walk before you run. Simplify your approach. Stay with the basics. Let progress unfold at a pace your body and mind can hold. Small, steady steps create real transformation.

I will give you an example now. Alan went from being overweight and out of shape to walking 10,000 steps and then running a Marathon. How do you wonder? He started gently. He walked for 5 to 10 minutes a day. Add a few minutes as his body adjusted. When he felt ready, he weaved in short moments of running. He let the balance shift naturally, walking less, running more. He was listening to his body. This slow, respectful progression built strength, protected him from injury, and made running feel natural and fun. When he got comfortable, he joined a runners’ group, trained with them, and ultimately entered a short race first. Step by step, he built his confidence along with his fitness. And that is when his possibilities expanded even more, ultimately running marathons on a regular basis.

Embracing the Nonlinear Nature of Progress

That said, Alan faced some challenges along the way. He had to understand that progress was not linear! Indeed, progress is never a straight line. Life interrupts. Setbacks happen. When they do, you must meet them with patience. You must return gently, not always to the beginning, but gently where you can be. This is how transformation takes root through consistency, compassion, and the willingness to begin again. And yes, there is a time when that goal you originally set may need to be adjusted. Things happen, accept, and move on.

Real Success Comes from Heartfelt, Reasonable Goals

I have seen it over and over. When goals are realistic, meaningful, and loved, success follows. When they are too ambitious or disconnected from your heart, they fade.

Choose one intention that lights something inside you. Feel it, fill it with all your heart. Then, begin with one small step. Keep at it and let your journey unfold naturally, guided by purposeful, kind, and loving actions. It is love that will get you there!

And if you need guidance in establishing your goal or support, feel free to contact me. I will be glad to walk along your life journey.

Categories: : Coaching Tips, Expertise, Mindfulness, Wellness