As New Year’s Eve approaches, many of us are thinking about resolutions for the coming year. So why not learn how to make a smart resolution that sticks? And think about injecting more fun and fulfillment into your life? Typically, we dutifully swear that we’re going to start jogging 20 kilometres a day, give up junk food forever or keep our house organized from top to bottom all year. And those could all be good things. But if you’re dreading or doubting your 2024 resolution before the year has even begun, that’s a sign that you’re probably not going to follow through. No surprise that only about eight percent of people actually stick to their resolutions all year. (Coaching with me can help you make your goals happen.)

Read on to discover four signs indicating that you may benefit from a New Year’s Resolution review or makeover.

Sign #1: Your new year’s resolution sounds like drudgery.

If you’re not feeling excitement about how your new year’s resolution will make your life better, chances are you’re not going to meaningfully pursue it. To make a better resolution, think about how you will FEEL if you make a resolution happen. So instead of vaguely resolving to drink less, for example, resolve to wake up refreshed and hangover-free at least one day every weekend. Feeling refreshed sounds way more motivating, right? Book a free coaching consultation to discuss your resolution.

Sign #2: Your 2024 resolution seems impossible.

If you’re vowing to lose 100 pounds by March, you’re probably feeling pretty skeptical already. (Talk to your healthcare provider about health goals.) Research and experts like James Clear note that choosing smaller, more achievable goals yields better success. For instance, you could resolve to eat fruit instead of chips or lose half a pound a week instead. Achieving that consistently and making small increases over time will motivate you to continue and create lasting change. (Learn more about creating S.M.A.R.T. goals.)

Talking to someone who has achieved a goal that you want can help, too. I personally made a big career pivot and am now sober, for instance, so I can speak to the challenges and delights on those paths.

Sign #3: Your new year’s resolution is all about giving things up.

A goal that targets more of what you want is much more doable than a goal focused on what you DON’T want. (If you don’t know what you want, talk to me.) Consider doing a review of your calendar from the past year. Write down what you enjoyed and what you didn’t. Then, choose a 2024 resolution that reflects what you love. For example, you could resolve to book a call with an out-of-town friend once a month, or to organize karaoke nights four times a year. (Then put it in your calendar.)

Sign #4: You make the same new year’s resolution every year.

If you’re always making the same resolution and never pursuing or achieving it, this may mean that you think you should do it, but you don’t really want to do it. Or there may be other unresolved issues that need to be addressed first. For example, if you’re overworked and exhausted, you may need to address that first before vowing to fit a long walk into every day.

If any of these signs sound familiar, book a coaching session with me to craft a resolution that excites or nurtures you. Or, if you have no idea what you want to do in 2024, talk to me about gaining more clarity and getting past obstacles. My clients can attest that coaching can help you gain more confidence, combat negative self talk and achieve goals that truly fulfill you.

Find out more in my Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching section and then book a free discovery call.