Forget Resolutions: A Better Way to Win in 2025

Maybe you’re like me and have ditched New Year’s resolutions altogether, or perhaps you’re still thinking about what goals to set for 2024. Either way, here’s an interesting fact to consider: 88% of people who set New Year’s resolutions fail them within the first two weeks.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Resolutions, as they’re traditionally made, often set us up for disappointment.

The good news: the problem isn’t with you—it’s with the approach.

Instead of leaning into resolutions destined to fail, here are some ideas for a more sustainable way to achieve meaningful change.

Why Resolutions Rarely Work

1. Too Vague: Resolutions like "save more money" or "get healthier" are too broad to guide consistent action.
2. Unrealistic Expectations: We aim for perfection and often give up when results don’t come fast enough.
3. All-or-Nothing Thinking: A single slip-up can derail the entire plan, leading to a sense of failure.
4. Motivation Fades Quickly: Resolutions rely on excitement rather than habits, which makes them hard to sustain.

8 Ideas What to Do Instead

Instead of setting yourself up for disappointment with traditional resolutions, try one or more of these strategies to build habits and support meaningful progress:

1. Take Time to Reflect on the Past Year

Before setting new goals, take stock of the year that’s ending. What worked well? What challenges did you overcome? Consider starting an achievement diary where you jot down wins, big or small, throughout the year. This not only boosts motivation but also gives you a clearer picture of what matters to you.

2. Turn Resolutions into Specific Goals

Vague aspirations don’t work. Instead of "get healthier," try: "Exercise three times a week for 20 minutes each." Replace "save more money" with "invest 10% of my income monthly using an automated investment plan."

3. Focus on Systems Over Outcomes

As James Clear highlights in Atomic Habits, success comes from creating systems. If your goal is better financial health, build a system where you review your budget monthly and track spending weekly.

4. Start Small and Build Momentum

Massive changes can feel overwhelming. Start small. Save $1 a day, walk for 5 minutes, or commit to a single task each week that supports your goal. Small steps lead to big results over time.

5. Anchor Your Goals to Your Identity

Rather than focusing on what you do, focus on who you want to become. Instead of saying, "I want to save money," try "I am someone who values financial security."

6. Celebrate Success and Milestones

Don’t wait until the end goal to celebrate. Break your goals into smaller milestones and reward yourself when you reach them. For example, if you save your first $500, treat yourself to a small indulgence or an experience that brings you joy. Recognizing your progress boosts motivation and reinforces positive habits.

7. Invest in Yourself and Your Education

Personal growth often requires learning new skills or gaining knowledge. Whether it’s taking a financial literacy course, reading books on self-improvement, or attending a workshop, investing in yourself can have compounding benefits. Knowledge empowers you to make better decisions and builds confidence to achieve your goals.

8. Find Accountability

Share your goals with someone you trust or join a group that shares your interests. Accountability partners or communities can help you stay consistent and motivated.

Practical Ideas and Tools to Help You Succeed

Exploring new tools can not only enhance your tech experience in an ever-changing AI-powered world but also make financial and personal growth much easier. Here are some examples of tools or things that can be helpful:

Do a Healthy Clean-Out: If you have time, detox your physical and digital spaces. No, this isn’t about going on a diet—it’s about clearing out the junk and clutter that consume your headspace and physical space. Start with your phone by deleting unused apps—it’s a simple and effective way to create more room for what truly matters. Even cleaning out your physical wallet can have a surprisingly positive effect!

Automation: Automate your finances wherever possible, whether through specific apps or your bank’s savings tools, to ensure you save regularly without having to think about it. And don’t stop there—explore and experiment with new AI helpers. There’s a vast array of tools available for all kinds of tasks, from meeting note-takers to podcast producers, image generators, and personal assistants. You can find a wide selection of use cases at thereisanaiforthat.com.

Goal-Setting Platforms: Apps like Notion or Trello allow you to organize your goals and break them into manageable steps.

Achievement Diaries: Use tools like Day One Journal or even a simple notebook to track and celebrate wins throughout the year.

Habit-Tracking Apps: Tools like Habitica or Streaks gamify building new habits, keeping you engaged and motivated.

The Value of the Physical: In a world dominated by screens and digital interactions, don’t underestimate the power of real, face-to-face connections. Meeting with friends, family, or colleagues in person fosters genuine relationships, builds trust, and creates memories that no virtual experience can replicate. Sometimes, the best investment you can make is in real conversations with real people.

Make 2025 About Progress, Not Perfection

Resolutions often fail because they’re built on fleeting bursts of motivation. Instead, focus on small actionable steps, systems and people that support your growth.

Meaningful change doesn’t need a January 1st start date—it begins whenever you decide to take that first step!

So, what’s one small change you can start today to make 2025 a year of evolution, not frustration?

Make 2025 Your Best Financial Year Yet

P.S. For all who want to start 2025 with a bang, join our Money Makeover Challenge starting January 13, 2025. Take the next step toward financial freedom—let’s make 2025 your best financial year yet! It's totally free and it will be lots of fun - sign-up here😉