The New Year's Resolutions Dilemma

Hello Friends!

Hope you are enjoying the end of the year — possibly taking it slow, recalibrating and recharging for the new year. By the way, is it me or has this year felt a little less like the Holidays? Anyway, we are enjoying some downtime before we hit the ground running — which is a great transition to what this article is about.

The start of a new year carries a unique energy. It’s a time to reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. Many of us embrace New Year’s resolutions as a way to mark this fresh start. But as inspiring as resolutions can be, they can also impact our self-confidence, sometimes in unexpected ways.

In this article, I want to explore the dual nature of resolutions — their potential to motivate and their tendency to overwhelm — and offer practical advice on how to approach them with confidence and grace.

The Power of Resolutions: Why They Matter

Setting resolutions can be incredibly empowering. It’s a way to declare, “I want to grow. I want to be better.” Resolutions give us something to strive for, whether it’s improving our health, learning a new skill, or spending more time with loved ones.

A study conducted by the University of Scranton found that people who make New Year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to achieve their goals than those who don’t. The very act of defining what you want to achieve provides clarity and direction, two things that are vital for self-confidence.

Moreover, accomplishing even a small part of a resolution creates momentum. Each step forward reinforces the belief that you’re capable of change. For example, if you want to run a marathon and begin by running just one mile, that single act strengthens your confidence to keep going.

The Burden of Overcommitment

As inspiring as resolutions can be, they often come with a downside: the risk of setting ourselves up for failure. Studies suggest that by mid-February, 80% of resolutions are abandoned. Why? Because life happens. Unforeseen events, unexpected challenges, and the simple reality of maintaining long-term motivation can derail even the best-laid plans.

The danger lies in how we interpret these setbacks. Missing a workout or falling behind on a new habit can lead to self-doubt and feelings of failure. “If I couldn’t keep this promise to myself, what does that say about me?” This spiral can chip away at our confidence instead of building it.

This is where grace comes in. Life is rarely a smooth ride; it’s a bumpy, unpredictable journey. Resolutions shouldn’t feel like a rigid contract but rather a flexible guide. Adjusting your goals isn’t a failure — it’s adapting to the realities of life.

Building Confidence, One Step at a Time

Confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from progress. Small, consistent steps toward a goal are far more effective — and rewarding — than overwhelming leaps.

Take exercise, for example. Many people desire to “get fit” in the new year, only to quit after a month of intense, unsustainable workouts. A better approach is to start small: commit to a 10-minute walk every day. Over time, this small habit can evolve into something bigger, and the confidence gained from sticking to it fuels further growth.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, emphasizes the power of small wins. He explains that tiny habits compound over time, much like interest in a bank account. Every small action builds confidence, reinforcing the belief that you can achieve what you set out to do.

Approaching Resolutions with Balance

So how should we approach New Year’s resolutions? First, focus on the why behind your goals. Is your goal to lose weight because you genuinely want to feel healthier, or because you feel pressure from society? Aligning your resolutions with your core values ensures they’re meaningful and worth pursuing.

Second, embrace flexibility. Life will throw curveballs — it always does. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, view them as opportunities to recalibrate. Confidence comes not from avoiding failure but from learning to navigate it with resilience.

Lastly, celebrate the journey, not just the destination. Each small step you take is a victory, even if it doesn’t immediately lead to the outcome you envisioned.

Parting Words

Resolutions are a powerful tool for personal growth, but they’re not a magic wand. They require effort, patience, and, most importantly, self-compassion.

Remember, confidence isn’t about achieving every goal flawlessly. It’s about trusting yourself enough to try, discovering your potential, and embracing your limits along the way. Life’s twists and turns are inevitable, but your ability to adapt and grow through them is what truly builds confidence.

So, as you embark on your journey this year, be kind to yourself. Set goals, take action, and celebrate progress — no matter how small. Your resolutions should inspire, not overwhelm. Here’s to a year of growth, grace, and unwavering self-belief.

Happy New Year!

Thought Of The Week

A weekly thought to meditate, ruminate, and/or ponder on:

 

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."

- Confucius

 

If you are interested in improving your speaking, communication skills and confidence, schedule a call with me or learn more about communication coaching here. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe to The Confidence Weekly Newsletter here.