Motivation often falters when goals don’t align with your values, feel too difficult, or lack a coherent action plan. Additionally, your mindset is massively influential. Negative self-talk, unresolved stress, or a lack of confidence can create barriers that prevent you from moving forward.

• Setting overly ambitious goals: Many people aim high with resolutions like “I’ll lose 50 pounds” or “I’ll save $10,000,” but these targets can feel overwhelming and unattainable, leading to burnout and discouragement.
• Lack of specificity: Vague goals such as “I want to get healthier” or “I want to be happier” don’t leave room for you to measure your progress or stay focused.
• Fear of failure: Worries that you will fall short can prevent you from taking concrete action, leaving you stuck in a cycle of inertia.
• External pressures: Goals that you set to meet societal expectations or please others are harder to sustain when they lack personal meaning.
• Low energy or burnout: Mental, emotional, or physical exhaustion can sap your motivation, making even small tasks feel insurmountable.

Tips for Setting Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep

Try incorporating the SMART framework into your growth and development plan.

1. Be specific: Instead of saying, “I want to save money,” try, “I’ll set aside $100 each month by eating out less.”
2. Start small: Focus on incremental changes instead of holding yourself to an unrealistic standard
3. Make it measurable: Set benchmarks to track your progress. For instance, “I’ll walk 5,000 steps daily” is easier to measure than “I’ll exercise more.”
4. Focus on what you can control: Set goals that depend on your actions, not external factors.
5. Celebrate your progress: Recognize and reward yourself for small achievements to build momentum and confidence.

If you feel stuck, remember that it’s never too late to make positive changes. I will work with you to overcome obstacles, tap into your potential, and create a personalized plan to achieve your goals. Use my advice and time-tested strategies to make meaningful progress and turn your resolutions into reality. Reach out today to learn more about in-person and remote coaching sessions.