On Your Marks… Get Ready… GO! Preparing to Race into the New Year!
By Lead Development Consultant, Hilary Stevenson
As an executive coach, I often see the same cycle each January: driven individuals setting ambitious New Year’s resolutions, only to feel frustration when they feel they have fallen short some weeks later. I imagine that we have all had the thought, ‘New Year, fresh start’. It is worth considering that most resolutions don’t stick because they are often based on inspiration rather than on a structured, sustainable approach. Real, lasting change takes more than motivation; it requires preparation, a focus on purpose, and the right support system to be in place.
The first reason resolutions don’t last is that they often stem from what we think we “should” do rather than what truly aligns with our core beliefs, values and goals. When resolutions are grounded in external pressures or self-improvement ideals, they lack the personal connection that makes them sustainable. As an executive coach, I encourage clients to reflect on what genuinely matters to them professionally and personally and what lasting changes they want to achieve. This reflection helps clarify their “why,” giving their goals a foundation that extends beyond just the first few weeks of the year.
Another common pitfall is setting overly ambitious or vague resolutions that are difficult to track. Goals like, “become healthy”, “get a better work-life balance” or “get a promotion” are too broad to measure progress effectively. I encourage clients to break down large objectives into smaller, more achievable steps and to set SMART goals – goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
The third aspect that often derails resolutions is a lack of accountability. Having an accountability partner, such as a coach or mentor, can provide support and can also encourage consistency when motivation wanes. During coaching sessions, we establish regular check-ins to assess progress, celebrate small wins, and reframe setbacks as learning opportunities. This layer of accountability helps reinforce new habits until they become second nature.
Self-compassion also plays a significant role in lasting change. Too often, people abandon resolutions after a minor deviation. A coaching perspective encourages individuals to view setbacks as part of the process rather than as a failure. For example, if a client misses a goal milestone, we will explore the underlying reasons and adjust the strategy, which often strengthens their commitment rather than diminishing it.
Ultimately, an effective approach to New Year’s resolutions is much like preparing for a race. It requires setting the right plan, having a clear roadmap, and ensuring support along the way. By anchoring goals in personal beliefs and values and by setting structured milestones and embracing setbacks as learning tools, leaders and individuals alike can achieve meaningful, lasting progress. Accordingly, as you prepare to race into the New Year, remember that it’s not just about crossing the finish line, but enjoying the journey along the way.
