Did you set New Year’s resolutions or professional goals, but by this point in the year, you’ve fallen off the wagon? Perhaps you wanted to make a big change or improve an area of your life, but you find yourself spiraling with indecision. We’ve all been there—excited to start the New Year, but after a few months, we’ve fallen back into familiar patterns and put our goals aside, focusing on our daily grind.

But here’s the good news: it’s okay! There’s no need to beat yourself up over it. If change is still something you want to make, there are ways to better set yourself up for success. The beauty is that you don’t have to wait for January 1st to make a fresh start. Any day can be the first day of your new year.

You have the power to give yourself a blank slate, wash away all the guilt of broken resolutions, and start anew. You can become all you want to be. Create a compelling vision that lights up your world and fuels your creative energy. Believe in yourself because deep down, you know you can make it happen. That’s why you’ve made resolutions in the past.

Remember, you are a powerful individual, but you are also a human being. It’s okay to need support, accountability, encouragement, and sometimes, a good kick in the pants. You don’t have to go it alone. Let’s get started on revitalizing your goals and achieving success.

Different Ways to Set New Year’s Resolutions

Bridge the Gap: Acknowledge Where You Are

To get to where you want to be, you must face the reality of your current situation and recognize the ways it is not working for you. The Change Formula is a helpful framework to overcome feeling “stuck.” It states that vision multiplied by discomfort, plus support, equals change.

Vision: Create a Compelling Future

Your vision is your ability to see the future you desire. It’s crucial to have a clear and compelling vision that becomes your North Star, guiding you and reminding you why you’re making changes in the first place. Allow yourself to dream big—there are no limits to your vision.

Discomfort: Embrace Change

Change requires discomfort. Embrace it, as it gives you insight into what needs to change and propels you into action. Without discomfort, there would be no reason to change. Embrace the discomfort as a necessary part of the transformation process.

Support: Seek Help and Accountability

Recognize that you are allowed to ask for help and support. Going through change alone can be overwhelming. Surround yourself with people who can offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Seek resources and assistance that can make your journey easier.

Draft Your Vision: Put It in Writing

Writing down your goals and the steps you’ll take to achieve them significantly increases the likelihood of success. When you articulate your vision and outline the habits and projects necessary to reach your goals, you create a roadmap for yourself.

Set a Specific Goal: Name It and Quantify It

Specificity is key when setting goals. Instead of a vague goal like “write more,” set a specific target, such as “write 5,000 words a month.” By putting a number on it, you provide clarity and create a measurable outcome to strive for.

Check for an Internal Battle: Overcoming Self-Sabotage

Examine whether you’re battling against yourself in any way. Are you ignoring reality by setting goals that require you to neglect other priorities? Are you judging yourself for not meeting unrealistic expectations? Recognize these obstacles and be kind to yourself. Changing old habits is challenging, and setbacks are normal.

Tune into Your Whole Body Yes and Learn How to Renegotiate

For the goals you genuinely want to achieve, identify what a “whole body yes” looks like. What obstacles are in your way, and can you remove or modify them? Renegotiation is a vital skill in maintaining integrity. Give yourself permission to change your mind, and listen to the wisdom of your head, gut, and heart. Pushing toward a goal you don’t truly want or believe in will only lead to frustration and friction.

Recharge and Simplify: Adjusting Your Approach

If you haven’t achieved a particular goal, beating yourself up over it won’t help. Recognize that you’re human and that setbacks happen. Choose to renegotiate and determine what you genuinely want to pursue. Simplify your focus by limiting yourself to a maximum of three goals. Broadcast your intentions, share your progress, and keep others informed. Avoid getting carried away with complex and unrealistic expectations—keeping it simple increases your chances of success.

Embrace the Journey

Reviving your New Year’s resolutions is about embracing the journey of personal growth. Remember, it’s never too late to start again. Set yourself up for success by establishing a clear vision, embracing discomfort, seeking support, and reevaluating and adjusting your goals when necessary. Be kind to yourself, stay committed, and believe that you have the power to make positive changes in your life.

This article is related to my podcast episode – Listen here.