How to actually keep your New Years' Resolutions this year

So… it’s that time of the year again.

The time to make promises to yourself that you pretty much already know you’re most likely not going to keep.

Getting a new gym membership?

Check.

Changing your lifestyle and making sure you’re eating your 5 a day?

Sure you will.

Planning to double or triple your sales by the end of this year?

Of course.

Setting New Years’ resolutions is a great way to motivate yourself and start a new year with a bang.

But…

It’s only worth it if you actually keep the resolutions you make.

“Use your New Year’s resolution or resolutions as a method to correct or improve upon that which leads to finishing a past goal.” — Byron Pulsifer

One of the most popular New Years resolutions is to change your lifestyle and start going to the gym. So much so that 12% of all new gym memberships happen in January.

Those who actually go to the gym regularly, pretty much hate this — 56% of gym members really don’t like New Year's resolutioners cramping their style.

I get it.

Maybe it’s because 4% of them quit by the end of the first month of the year?

Or that about 14% quit by the end of February?

Or maybe because out of all those who make it past the first few months, 80% of gym members that join in January quit within 5 months?

The point is this: stop giving money to gyms (whether real or metaphorical gyms) if you’re not actually going to go.

Wanting to do things is only the first step. You have to ask yourself: am I actually ready to make the sacrifices required to achieve my New Years’ resolutions and dreams?

“The meaning of resolution is “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” The key words are “firm decision”. If you make a firm decision about something then you must also take action and set a deadline, in other words, set a goal!” Catherine Pulsifer

Unfortunately, people enjoy making lists after lists of things they should do and want to do, but throw them away and forget about them after a few weeks saying to themselves that everything is fine as it is and has been until that moment.

There’s no denying that the holiday spirit makes people go a little off the edge.

They start making decisions and usually end up forgetting them when the New Year fever is over.

They get bogged down by the mundaneness of their everyday life and the motivation that they used to have goes away.

In my opinion, the chances to mark a resolution as completed are completely up to you.

One of the sayings that really stuck with me ever since I was a kid is to “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today”. It’s something that I’ve learned on my own skin, time and time again.

The truth is that it is hard to make a list of things you want to do and then actually start doing them. In most cases, that list is like the dreamland of lists or a fairytale with a happy ending that will never be real. It took me a good while to learn this — I’ve got my fair share of unused gym memberships! — but once I did, it changed my life completely.

Which is why you constantly need to say to yourself: “wake up, you are doing this for yourself in the first place!”.

“Why do New Years Resolutions fail? Mainly, because they are only a statement, or what we wish for in the coming year. There are usually no action plans, no deadlines, no backup plans. Sometimes they are unrealistic resolutions, with no other thought or plans beside the statement.” Catherine Pulsifer

Some things are doable, but some are not. You should make up your mind which one’s which in the first place. Resolutions can be dreams come true, but they can also remain dreams and nothing more. This is the moment when you have to decide if you want to stand up or remain seated. I believe that plans can be accomplished based on strong desire and learning from past experiences.

Here are some tips that can motivate you to eventually solve your resolutions this time:

• Keep the list of resolutions as simple as you can. Do not aim for a new life because it is not as easy as it is to write it down. The best you can do is to think of two important things you want to accomplish and focus on them.
• Choose wisely what you want. It has to be something that will make you happy, keep you healthy and fulfilled.
• Keep things in the reality realm. Do not desire for things that are not real or achievable. What went wrong with the past resolutions? Hope for small things because there is enough time for the big ones to come after.
• Break resolutions down into smaller goals. Each small step you make will take you closer to a bigger one and so on. Do not believe you can eat the whole cake from the table when you have a piece with your name on it right in front of you. Otherwise, you will be disappointed.
• Plan a time-frame to achieve your goals. This is one of the most important rules of motivation. Plan each action on a calendar and try to stick to this plan. Being super organized can be very helpful.
• Take notes of your resolutions. Plan each one carefully, even make a notebook with some photos, videos, articles and anything else that will help keep your eye on the prize. Note each step you make that gets you closer to your goal.
• Give yourself some treats during the process. Once you have solved a part of your resolution, you may treat yourself with something you like, but be aware of bad slips. If you are on a diet, don’t eat several candies just because you have lost 2 pounds.
• Ask for support from trustworthy people around you. Surround yourself with your closest friends when you need advice or someone to talk to.
• Do not consider giving up. If you have already made some important steps, but there is something that blocks your way, do not hesitate to try and push it away. These are crucial moments when you have to have faith, be strong and keep a positive mindset.
• You are in charge of your achievements. Even if you are receiving advice from other people, you have to be in charge of your decisions and actions. You control your next moves and have the responsibility for your future, so do not mess it up.

“Like many other people, you’ve decided to make New Year’s resolutions because you know there are things you’re unhappy with in your life.” Thibaut Meurisse

Conclusion

Keeping up with your New Years resolutions is hard work — I won’t deny that. But if you focus on the right resolutions and motivate yourself to actually achieve them, they can work wonders for your psyche, your health, your business…whatever it is you want to change this year.

Follow the tips in this article and make 2021 the best year yet.

The quick answer: Most resolutions fail because they're too big, too vague, and tied to willpower instead of systems. Pick one specific habit, attach it to something you already do daily, and track it visibly for at least 30 days before adding anything else.

Frequently asked questions

Why do most New Year's resolutions fail by February?

They rely on motivation rather than structure. Motivation dips within weeks, so without a routine, reminder system, or accountability in place, the resolution quietly disappears from daily life.

How many resolutions should I set at once?

One or two at most. Trying to overhaul several areas of life at the same time splits your attention and makes it harder to build any single habit strongly enough to stick.

What's a better approach than setting a big goal?

Break the goal into a small, repeatable action and link it to an existing habit, such as reading one page after your morning coffee. Small consistent wins build the identity that supports the bigger goal.

How do I stay accountable throughout the year?

Track progress somewhere visible, whether that's a habit app, a calendar, or a shared check-in with a friend. Reviewing progress weekly, not just on January 1st, keeps the resolution alive.