New Year’s resolutions have a way of starting strong—gym memberships spike, planners fill with ambitious goals—but by February, the excitement fizzles, and old habits creep back in. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. But this year can be different. The secret to sticking to resolutions isn’t sheer willpower—it’s setting goals that matter to you and creating systems to keep you on track.

Here’s how to make resolutions you’ll actually stick with, from crafting meaningful goals to building the habits that help you follow through.

Choose resolutions that set you up for success

1. Rely on Outcomes In Your Control

One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail is that they hinge on outcomes you can’t fully control. Instead of setting a goal like “Get promoted this year,” focus on something actionable like “Take on a leadership project” or “Present my promotion case to my manager.” These are within your control and can ultimately lead to the outcome you want, without leaving you feeling defeated if external factors come into play.

Examples of goals you can control:

• “Land a new job” relies too much on someone’s decision to hire you. Instead, try “Apply to two jobs every month.”

• “Lose 10 pounds” relies too much on your body’s reactions. Instead, try “Cook at home 4 nights a week.”

• “Finish in the top 10% of a marathon” relies too much on the performance of other people. Instead, try “Train for a marathon 4 times a week.”

By focusing on what you can control, success becomes more achievable—and motivating.

2. Set Goals You Actually Care About

It’s easy to fall into the trap of setting resolutions that sound impressive or align with what others are doing. But if a goal doesn’t light a fire in you, chances are it won’t stick. Don’t force yourself into fitness resolutions if that’s not where your passion lies. Instead, reflect on what you genuinely want to improve or prioritize.

Ask yourself:

• What would make my life more fulfilling?

• What have I been meaning to do but keep putting off?

• What habit or skill excites me?

Your goals might be about career growth, relationships, creative hobbies, or mental health. The key is to focus on what you value.

3. Make Sure Progress is Measurable

Vague resolutions like “Be happier” or “Get healthier” are hard to track, and without clear milestones, motivation can wane. Instead, set specific and measurable goals. The clearer the target, the easier it is to hit.

Turn this:
❌ “Feel less stressed.”
Into this:
✅ “Do one relaxing activity per week (like yoga, reading, or a bath).”

Turn this:
❌ “Be more social.”
Into this:
✅ “Make plans with friends at least twice a month.”

Turn this:
❌ “Save money.”
Into this:
✅ “Save $100 from each paycheck.”

When your goals are measurable, progress becomes visible—and that’s incredibly motivating.

Follow these strategies to follow through on your resolutions

1. Share Your Goals for Accountability

Telling someone about your goals creates a sense of responsibility. Share your resolutions with a friend, family member, or even a co-worker. Better yet, find someone with a similar goal and check in with each other regularly.

Pro Tip: Create a group chat or calendar invite specifically for goal check-ins!

2. Schedule Reminders for Yourself

Life gets busy, and sometimes resolutions slip through the cracks. We love to schedule-send emails to ourselves—it feels like a future version of you is keeping you accountable. You can also set reminders in your phone or create recurring calendar events that prompt you to check in with your goals.

Example:

• Subject: How’s your reading goal going?

• Body: Remember to pick up that book this week. You’ve got this!

Note: If you’re looking to go deeper into habit formation, we highly recommend the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. (Affiliate Link)

3. Track Your Progress

Seeing progress builds momentum. Whether it’s a physical planner, a spreadsheet, or a simple app, create a tracker that lets you log your achievements. You can tick off workouts, mark down savings, or note every time you complete one of your measurable goals.

Visual trackers work wonders because they make success tangible. A jar where you add $5 every time you skip takeout or a workout calendar you get to fill in after each session can keep you motivated.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Don’t wait until you’ve reached the end goal to celebrate. Recognize and reward small milestones along the way. Each small success is proof you’re making progress—and that progress keeps you moving forward.

5. Revisit and Adjust

Remember, resolutions aren’t set in stone. If something isn’t working, tweak it. Life evolves, and so should your goals. If you realize halfway through the year that your resolution no longer aligns with your priorities, give yourself permission to pivot.

The point isn’t to stick to a rigid list—it’s to grow and evolve in ways that matter to you.

Final Thoughts

Making (and sticking to) New Year’s resolutions doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By setting goals that are in your control, choosing what excites you, and tracking progress, you’ll set yourself up for success in a way that feels motivating and sustainable.

Stay tuned for more lifestyle tips and hacks—we’ll be sharing plenty of insights and ideas to keep you inspired throughout the year. And if you need an extra push, follow us on Instagram for ongoing motivation and goal-setting tips!