Why Your Overhaul New Year’s Resolution Won’t Stick (and What Will)
Ah, January. The gym is packed, meal prep containers are flying off the shelves, and everyone’s on a mission to “finally” become their best selves. By February? Tumbleweeds.
Let’s talk about a better way like starting small and starting quietly.
The Magic of Tiny Habits
Big overhauls are exciting, but they’re also overwhelming. The problem is Decision Fatigue. When your resolution involves major changes, you spend all day debating whether you’ll actually do the thing. Will you make it to the gym? Cook the perfect meal? Meditate for 30 minutes? By the time you decide, you’re too drained to follow through.
Tiny habits, on the other hand, are no-brainers. They’re so small and manageable that doing them feels easier than not doing them. Think drinking a glass of water when you wake up, taking a two-minute stretch break, or adding a vegetable to your lunch. These small wins build momentum, and before you know it, they’ve become second nature.
Consistency beats perfection. The key is to create habits so simple and automatic that you don’t waste energy deciding and you just do them.
Why We Start on Thursdays
In my programs, we start on Thursdays. Because Mondays come with way too much baggage. The “I’ll start fresh on Monday” mindset often leads to a weekend of overindulgence. Like a “last hurrah” of bad habits, or a bachelorette party for your old ways. By the time Monday rolls around, the pressure to be perfect is sky-high, and one misstep can feel like failure.
Thursdays, on the other hand, are calm and uneventful. They don’t carry the weight of a “fresh start” or the temptation of a blowout weekend. Starting on a Thursday sends a powerful message: change can happen anytime. No need to wait for the “right” moment; you can start improving your habits now, quietly and without fanfare.
The Power of Quiet Goals
Growth is great, but you don’t need to shout it from the rooftops. Studies show that announcing your goals can sometimes trick your brain into feeling like you’ve already achieved them. Instead, skip the hype and focus on action. Let your results speak for themselves.
My clients thrive with this approach. We focus on one small task per week: no glittery resolutions, no grand plans. Just simple, actionable steps that build over time. So the result is sustainable habits that stick, without the drama.
Be the Thursday of Self-Improvement
This year, ditch the bachelor party approach. Be the Thursday of self-improvement: quiet, steady, and revolutionary. Start with tiny, manageable habits, build momentum, and watch as they transform your life. After all, isn’t it better to quietly win the marathon than loudly quit the sprint?