Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail and What We Do Instead

Happy New Year!

Is it too late to say that? I hope not.

Did you set any resolutions for the new year? If so, are you still with it?

If not, I understand. Resolutions rarely work. That’s why they even have a day called Quitters Day…January 10 when many of us ‘quit’ on our resolutions.

This year, instead of New Year resolutions, I worked on goal setting and wanted to share my process. (So far, it’s working).

My process is based on the EOS system from the book Traction which I highly recommend reading.

Before goals are set, start by reflecting on the past year, present and future. Answer the questions:

• Past: What are you most proud of?
• Present: What are you most confident about?
• Future: What are you most excited about?

Your answers will help get you in a peak state.

Afterwards, while in peak state, rate, 1-5, how successful you were in each of the 4 business growth categories:

• Attracting Leads
• Winning Deals
• Delighting Clients
• Growing Freedom

Next, choose the lowest rated category. That is the one you’ll focus on for the next 90 days.

My lowest rated category was ‘Attract Leads’. I could do a lot more in reaching out to my target audience.

Now, within your chosen category, brainstorm (write down):

• What’s Working?
• What’s Not Working?
• And 5+ Ideas to Fix (write as many as you can think of)

From there, choose 3 tasks/projects (he calls them Rocks in the Traction book) you’ll work on for the next 90 days to achieve your goal.

I chose ‘Attract Leads’, so my 3 rocks for the next 90 days are focused on extending my network, with more in person events, more exposure on social media, and email.

You’ll probably have many great ideas but choose and focus on 3 that will move the needle.

You’ve chosen 3 tasks/project (rocks) to work on. How do you continue the momentum?

• Make sure your tasks/projects are directly in line with your company’s mission and vision, along with revenue and profit targets for the year.
• Make them S.M.A.R.T. goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.
• Break down each task into mini tasks. Add the mini task to your calendar. If you schedule it, it becomes real.

Good luck in the New Year.

I hope it is a very exciting and prosperous one for you.