It's February 3rd. How are those New Year's resolutions holding up?

If you're like most people, the answer is probably: not great.

You started the year pumped up, determined to finally make that big change—hit the gym five times a week, wake up at 5 AM, eat clean, meditate daily, crush your work goals, spend more time with family, read a book a week... The list goes on.

Yet here you are, just one month in, already feeling guilty, disappointed, maybe even a little embarrassed. Because those grand plans? They fizzled out. And now, that old, familiar voice in your head is whispering: you failed again.

But what if I told you the problem isn't you? What if the entire concept of New Year's resolutions is fundamentally flawed?

The resolution trap: why they set you up for failure

Every year, millions of people make resolutions with the best of intentions. And every year, the vast majority of them fail. Studies show that about 80% of resolutions fall apart by mid-February. So why does this happen?

Because New Year's resolutions are built on a faulty premise: that a date on the calendar has the power to transform you.

It doesn't.

Real change doesn't happen just because the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to January 1st. It happens when something inside you shifts—when staying the same becomes more uncomfortable than stepping into the unknown.

And let's be honest: a champagne toast and a countdown don't create that kind of shift.

The myth of motivation (and why it's not enough)

One of the biggest reasons resolutions fail is because they rely on motivation. And motivation is unreliable.

Think about it. You start the year fired up, ready to take on the world. But then life happens. You get busy, tired, stressed. The enthusiasm fades. And suddenly, those ambitious goals start feeling like a burden.

Relying on motivation is like relying on the weather—it changes constantly. What you really need isn't motivation. It's a system. A structure that supports change, even when you don't feel like doing the work.

When change actually happens

Here's the truth: meaningful, lasting change doesn't happen because of an arbitrary date. It occurs when two conditions are met:

1. You truly want it. Not just "it would be nice." Not just "I should." But a deep, internal drive that won't let you stay the same.
2. The conditions around you allow it. Your environment, habits, and daily structures must support the change—not sabotage it.

Until those two things align, no resolution will stick.

What to do instead of making resolutions

So, if resolutions don't work, what does? Here's a better approach:

1. Identify what really matters to you

Stop making resolutions just because they sound good or because everyone else is doing it. Ask yourself:

• What do I genuinely want to change?
• Why does it matter to me?
• How will my life improve if I follow through?
• How will my life be if I don't follow through? 

When the reason is compelling enough, you won't need a "resolution." You'll have  resolve.

2. Forget big, dramatic changes—start ridiculously small

One of the biggest mistakes people make is going all in too fast. They try to overhaul their entire life overnight. And when that fails, they give up.

Instead, start with something so small that it's almost impossible to fail.

• Want to read more? Read one page a day.
• Want to get in shape? Do one push-up.
• Want to wake up earlier? Set your alarm five minutes earlier.

Tiny changes, done consistently, create momentum. And momentum beats motivation every time.

3. Change your environment, not just your willpower

Most people think change is about willpower. It's not. It's about environment.

Your surroundings shape your behavior. If your goal is to eat healthier, but your kitchen is full of junk food, you're setting yourself up for failure. If you want to be more productive, but your phone is constantly distracting you, good luck!

Make change easy. Set up your environment to support your goals, not work against them.

4. Track progress, not perfection

Most people quit when they miss a day or make a mistake. But progress isn't about perfection—it's about consistency.

Instead of focusing on being perfect, focus on not breaking the chain. Track your progress, celebrate small wins, and don't let one bad day turn into a bad week.

5. Start anytime—not just January 1st

Waiting for the "right time" to start is just another form of procrastination. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time? Right now.

The bottom line

New Year's resolutions don't work. Not because you're weak or lazy, but because they're built on a flawed system.

Real change happens when:

• You truly want it.
• The conditions around you support it.
• You start small and build momentum.
• You focus on systems, not willpower.

So, instead of beating yourself up over failed resolutions, take a different approach. Forget the date. Forget the hype. Focus on what truly matters and start making small, sustainable changes today.

Because the best time to change isn't January 1st. It's whenever you're ready.

Watch this short video: The best advice about New Year's resolutions

ACTION STEPS:

DO NOT make New Year's resolutions!

But please DO:

1. Pick one small habit you want to start today—something so easy you can't fail.

2. Set up your environment to support your change—remove obstacles and distractions.

3. Track your progress daily and focus on consistency, not perfection.

4. Share your commitment with someone who can hold you accountable.

5. Start right now—don’t wait for another Monday, a new month, or the next New Year.