Every year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions, hoping to make a fresh start or achieve big goals. Unfortunately, many of these resolutions end up abandoned by March. Whether it’s a plan to lose weight, save money, or learn a new skill, it’s easy to get excited at the beginning but lose momentum as time goes on. The problem isn’t your lack of willpower—it’s often the way the resolutions are created. This time, for 2025, let’s focus on a more effective way to make resolutions and stick to them. Here’s how to do it.
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Be Specific About What You Want to Achieve
One of the biggest reasons people fail at their New Year resolutions is because their goals are too vague. Saying, “I want to be healthier,” or “I want to save more money,” is not enough. It leaves too much room for confusion and makes it hard to measure progress.
Instead, be specific about what you want. For instance, instead of saying, “I want to save money,” decide on an amount you’d like to save and a deadline for reaching it. For example, “I will save ₦200,000 by June 30, 2025.” When your goal is clear and measurable, it’s easier to track progress and stay motivated.
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Break Your Goals Into Smaller Steps
It’s tempting to go big when setting New Year resolutions, but large goals can feel overwhelming. If your resolution is too intimidating, you might give up before you even start. The key is to break your goals into smaller, manageable steps.
For instance, if your goal is to lose 10kg by the middle of the year, start with smaller targets like losing 2kg per month. Celebrate every small win because they add up to the bigger picture. Breaking your goals into bite-sized pieces makes them feel achievable and keeps you motivated throughout the year.
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Focus on One or Two Key Resolutions
Another common mistake is trying to take on too many resolutions at once. You might want to learn a new language, start a business, go to the gym regularly, and read 50 books—all in one year. While ambition is great, spreading yourself too thin makes it harder to stick to any one goal.
For 2025, focus on one or two resolutions that matter most to you. Prioritize what will have the biggest impact on your life and give it your full attention. Once you’ve made progress with those, you can consider adding other goals later in the year.
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Write Down Your Resolutions and Review Them Regularly
There’s power in putting your resolutions in writing. Writing them down makes them feel more real and creates a sense of commitment. It also gives you something to refer back to when you need a reminder of what you’re working toward.
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Keep your written resolutions somewhere visible, like on your fridge, desk, or phone. Make it a habit to review them regularly—weekly or monthly. This helps you stay focused and adjust your approach if needed. For example, if you notice you’re falling behind, you can create a plan to get back on track.
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Make Your Resolutions Personal and Meaningful
Your New Year resolutions should be about what you genuinely want, not what society, friends, or family expect from you. When a goal is personal and meaningful, you’re more likely to stick to it.
Ask yourself why each resolution matters to you. If your goal is to get a promotion at work, is it because you want to advance your career, or are you seeking financial stability? Understanding your “why” gives you a deeper sense of purpose and keeps you motivated even when challenges arise.
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Stay Flexible and Adjust as Needed
Life is unpredictable, and it’s okay if things don’t go as planned. A lot of people abandon their New Year resolutions because they feel like they’ve failed after hitting a roadblock. Instead of giving up, be flexible and adjust your goals as needed.
For instance, if you resolve to work out five days a week, but your schedule gets busier, reduce it to three days instead of quitting altogether. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s at a slower pace. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
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Celebrate Your Wins and Learn From Your Mistakes
As you work toward your New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they seem. Rewarding yourself reinforces positive behaviour and keeps you motivated.
At the same time, be kind to yourself if you slip up. Mistakes are part of the process, and they don’t mean you’ve failed. Reflect on what went wrong, learn from it, and adjust your approach. For example, if you skipped a few gym sessions, identify why—was it a lack of time or motivation? Use that insight to create a solution, like finding a workout partner or scheduling exercise at a different time.
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Final Thoughts
It’s normal to hit a few bumps along the way, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. With the right approach and mindset, 2025 can be the year you achieve your New Year’s resolutions and create lasting positive change. Let’s make this year different—start strong, stay consistent, and finish proud.
Featured Image Source: Qualia
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This article was first published on 26th December 2024
chidiogo-akaelu
Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu holds a degree in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria. She is a freelance writer, editor and founder of Loana Press, a budding online publishing outlet.
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