New Year’s Resolutions that Actually Stick?
Introduction
How many times have you set a New Year's resolution, only to watch it fade away by February?
If you’re one of those people, don’t worry, you're not alone. Research shows that most resolutions fail within weeks—not because we lack willpower, but because we set goals that don’t align with who we truly are.
Is it time to try something different? Instead of chasing generic goals that feel like a struggle, why not create resolutions that actually fit you? By tapping into your strengths and values, you can set goals that feel energizing, sustainable, and completely achievable.
Key Takeaways:
We don’t stick to our resolutions, not because we lack will power, but because we set goals that don’t align with who we truly are.
By leveraging your strengths goals feel more natural and energizing.
Focus on small consistent wins, not on being perfect.
Why Resolutions Fail (and What to Do Instead)
Most resolutions fall apart because they:
❌ Aren’t meaningful – We set goals based on what we think we should do rather than what truly matters to us.
❌ Don’t align with our strengths – We try to change using methods that don’t match how we naturally thrive.
❌ Feel overwhelming – We aim for drastic changes instead of small, strengths-based habits that last.
Instead of forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit, build resolutions around your natural strengths and core values. This makes them more enjoyable, realistic, and powerful.
Step 1: Start with Your Values
Values are the guiding principles that shape your decisions, motivation, and fulfillment. When your goals align with your values, they stick.
Ask yourself:
✔ What truly matters to me this year?
✔ What do I want more of in my life?
✔ When have I felt most fulfilled, and why?
For example, if you value connection, forcing yourself into a solo workout routine might not work— exercising with a friend or joining a group class is likely to be a better option.
Step 2: Leverage Your Strengths
Your strengths are the abilities that come naturally to you—the ways you excel when you’re at your best. Using your strengths makes your goals feel more natural and energizing.
⭐️ If Creativity is your strength, bring fun and variety into your resolutions—try new workouts, plan creative meal prep, or journal about your progress.
⭐️ If you’re strong in Discipline, structure your resolutions with a clear plan, schedule, or habit tracker.
⭐️ If Social Intelligence is your strength, find an accountability partner or a supportive community to help keep you motivated.
When you use your natural abilities, resolutions stop feeling like a chore and start feeling like an exciting challenge you’re built to succeed in.
Step 3: Set Strengths-Based, Values-Driven Goals
Now, rewrite your resolutions in a way that aligns with your strengths and values.
🚫 Old Resolution: "I need to exercise more."
✅ Strengths-Based Resolution: "Because I value energy and connection, I’ll join a weekly dance class with a friend."
🚫 Old Resolution: "I want to be more productive."
✅ Strengths-Based Resolution: "Because I’m strong in strategic thinking, I’ll set aside 30 minutes each Sunday to plan my top three priorities for the week."
🚫 Old Resolution: "I should meditate every day."
✅ Strengths-Based Resolution: "Since I value creativity and reflection, I’ll spend 10 minutes each morning journaling or meditating—whichever feels right that day."
Setting strengths-based value driven goals
Rewrite your resolutions in a way that aligns with your strengths.
Step 4: Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Resolutions don’t have to be all-or-nothing. Instead of feeling like a failure if you miss a day, focus on small, consistent wins.
Track your progress in a way that motivates you (habit trackers, journaling, or celebrating milestones).
Surround yourself with people who uplift and support your goals.
Adjust as needed—if something isn’t working, tweak it until it feels right.
Step 5: Believe in Yourself
The biggest key to success? Self-belief. When you trust in your strengths, align with your values, and take action from a place of authenticity, everything changes.
This year, don’t just set resolutions—set yourself up for success. You already have the tools within you. Now it’s time to use them.
Final thoughts
Don’t be discouraged if you struggled to stick to your new years resolutions, as you can see there is so much you can do to set yourself up for success. Learn and leverage your strengths, focus on progress and believe in yourself.
Ready to Make This Year Different? Let’s Do It Together.
If you're ready to make this year different and set goals that actually work for you—not against you—let’s talk. My Strengths Mastery Coaching Program will help you uncover your strengths, align with your values, and create a plan to make this year your most fulfilling yet.
→ Book a free discovery call here and start stepping into your brilliance today!
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