How to Achieve All Your Resolutions Without Failing a Single One
Monday, Jan 8, 2024
Hello there!
I intentionally wrote this article after the first week of 2024, while asking: how are your 2024 resolutions going?
If you’re already feeling shaky, this article might help.
Why Resolutions Often Fail
Most people fail with resolutions because:
- Too ambitious - Goals are too big without a concrete plan
- Not measurable - “Want to be healthier” vs “Exercise 3x a week”
- No system - Only relying on motivation
- No accountability - No one is watching
Framework I Use
1. Start with “Why”
Before setting resolutions, ask why you want to achieve them.
- ❌ “Want to be rich”
- ✅ “Want financial freedom so I can have quality time with family”
2. Break Down into Quarterly Goals
Annual resolutions are too distant. Break them into 3-month targets:
Resolution: Write 52 articles per year
Quarterly breakdown:
- Q1: 13 articles (1 per week)
- Q2: 13 articles
- Q3: 13 articles
- Q4: 13 articles
3. System > Motivation
Motivation will fluctuate. What’s consistent is a system.
Don't: "I will write when motivated"
Do: "I write every Sunday morning at 8"4. Track Progress
What gets measured improves. Use tools like:
- Notion for tracking
- Simple spreadsheet
- Habit tracker app
5. Weekly Review
Every week, spend 30 minutes to:
- ✅ What was achieved?
- ❌ What wasn’t achieved? Why?
- 🎯 Focus for next week?
My Implementation Example
2024 Resolution: Write 52 articles
System I created:
- When: Every Sunday morning
- How long: 2 hours dedicated time
- Tools: Notion for drafts, VS Code to publish
- Accountability: Share to Twitter every time I publish
Progress Tracking
| Month | Target | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4 | - |
| Feb | 4 | - |
| … | … | … |
Additional Tips
1. Start Small
It’s better to be consistently small than big but stop.
2. Don’t Break the Chain
Use Jerry Seinfeld’s method - mark the calendar every day you do the habit. Don’t break the chain.
3. Environment Design
Create an environment that supports you:
- Want to read more? Put a book on the table, put away the phone
- Want to exercise? Prepare workout clothes the night before
Closing
Resolutions aren’t about drastic changes on day one. They’re about consistency and the system you build throughout the year.
Start small, track progress, and don’t forget to review.
Good luck for 2024! 🚀
How about your resolutions? Share on Twitter and tag @nayakayp!