New Year Resolutions Are Wishful Promises That Nobody Keeps... Unless You Use This Technique
Spoiler: your approach makes all the difference.
Cover photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.
Let's face it – we've all been there. January arrives and we're filled with enthusiasm about our New Year's resolutions. Fast forward a few weeks, and that motivation starts to fade. By February, many of us have already abandoned our well-intentioned plans, and only a small handful will see them through to December.
So what's going on? Why do our resolutions keep falling flat, and how can you actually make this year different? The secret isn't in the goals themselves but in how you approach achieving them. Here's why typical resolutions don't work and a practical technique to transform those promises into real accomplishments.
Why Most Resolutions Don't Stick
1. They’re Too Vague
The biggest problem with most resolutions is their lack of clarity. Saying "I want to grow my project" or "I'll improve my online presence" sounds good, but what does that actually mean in practice? Without specific actions, it's incredibly easy to lose direction or get distracted.
What works better:
Get specific about what you want to achieve. Instead of "I want to be more creative," try "I will dedicate 45 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday morning to work on new designs." This clarity helps you build a concrete plan and makes it easier to track your progress.
2. There’s No Accountability
Many creators start the year with big dreams but don't have a system to hold themselves accountable. Without regular check-ins or support, those resolutions quietly disappear from your radar.
What works better:
Create some form of accountability. Share your goals with a trusted friend who can check in on your progress. You might also use simple tools like a handwritten tracker in your journal, a digital app, or scheduled self-review sessions to stay connected with your goals.
3. They’re Just Too Ambitious
While dreaming big can be inspiring, goals that feel impossible can become overwhelming. When the finish line seems too far away, discouragement sets in – especially if you don't see immediate results.
What works better:
Set realistic goals you can achieve in steps. Break down your bigger vision into smaller milestones that feel manageable. Celebrate each small win along the way to stay motivated and build momentum.
The Technique That Actually Works: SMART Goals
To overcome these common pitfalls, try using the SMART goal framework. This approach has helped countless creators and makers turn vague wishes into concrete achievements. Here's how it works:
S - Specific: Define exactly what you want to accomplish. Ask yourself what you're aiming for and why it matters to you. Instead of "I want to grow my creative business," a specific goal would be "I want to launch an online shop with 15 of my best pieces by April."
M - Measurable: Make sure you can track your progress. For example, if you're building an email list, your goal could be reaching 500 subscribers, which gives you a clear number to work toward.
A - Achievable: Set goals that stretch you but remain possible. Consider whether your goal is realistic given your current situation and resources. If you're just starting out with social media, aiming to gain 100 new followers in two months might be more realistic than 10,000.
R - Relevant: Ensure your goal aligns with your overall vision and values. Ask yourself if this goal genuinely supports what matters to you and your creative journey.
T - Time-bound: Set a deadline. Having a timeframe creates healthy pressure and helps you prioritize. For instance, aim to complete a collection of 10 new pieces by June 1st rather than "sometime this year."
Put It Into Action
To make this framework work for you, create a simple action plan:
Write down the specific steps you need to take. For launching an online shop, this might include selecting your best pieces, taking quality photos, writing descriptions, and setting up the shop platform.
Set mini-deadlines for each step. For example: "Complete product photography by February 15th" and "Finish all product descriptions by March 1st."
Check in with yourself regularly. Take 15 minutes once per week to review your progress, celebrate what's working, and adjust what isn't.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection – it's progress. By approaching your resolutions with more intention and structure, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve this year.
What resolution are you working on right now? And how might you transform it using this approach? I look forward to hearing from you!
Francesca – Armonica Studio
Francesca is the creator of Armonica Studio, a marketing consultancy focusing on strategy and communication. She is a Brand Strategist, a Communication Consultant, and the creator of The Armonica Blog: Marketing Insights And Actionable Tips For Creators And Makers. She currently lives in Berlin, Germany.
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