Why Most People Give Up on Their Goals - and How to Stick to Yours

Every January, millions of people set New Year’s goals with the best intentions.

Yet by mid-month, most have already given up.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and it’s not because you’re lazy or lack willpower.

The truth is, most resolutions fail because of how they’re set and approached.

The good news?

With a few simple shifts, you can set yourself up for success and actually stick to your goals this year.

Here’s how:

1. Stop Setting Unrealistic Goals

One of the biggest mistakes people make is setting goals that are way too big or vague.

Saying you’ll “lose 20 pounds” or “go to the gym every day” sounds great, but these goals are overwhelming and lack a clear roadmap.

The Fix:

• Break big goals into smaller, actionable steps (e.g., “Lose 4 pounds this month” or “Go to the gym 3 times a week”).

• Focus on progress, not perfection - small wins add up over time.

2. Have a Solid Strategy and Roadmap

Trying to achieve your goals without a clear plan is like driving to a new destination without GPS. You’ll end up taking wrong turns, going in circles, and wasting valuable time.

The Fix:

• Create a step-by-step roadmap for your goal, so you know exactly what actions to take each week.

• A solid strategy ensures you stay on track, avoid overwhelm, and use your time effectively.

Your time is too valuable to waste months figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

That’s why I’m here - to show you exactly what to do, step by step, so you can stop guessing and start seeing results.

With a clear plan tailored to you, you’ll have the confidence to stay consistent and the direction to make real progress without the stress.

3. Motivation Alone Won’t Get You There

Here’s the thing about motivation: it’s unreliable. Some days, you’ll feel fired up to work out or prep your meals. Other days, you’ll want to binge Netflix and order pizza.

That’s why successful people don’t rely on motivation—they rely on systems, habits, and accountability. That’s where accountability coaches like me come in.

The Fix:

• Build systems and habits that make it easier to stay consistent, even when you’re not feeling motivated. For example, schedule your workouts like meetings or prep meals in advance to avoid last-minute decisions.

• Working with a coach ensures you stay on track, with a clear roadmap designed for your goals - so you don’t waste time figuring it all out on your own.

Having a plan tailored to your lifestyle and someone to keep you accountable makes staying consistent so much easier.

4. Avoid the “All or Nothing” Trap

Perfectionism is a silent killer of resolutions.

Missing one workout or indulging in a dessert doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

But many people fall into the trap of thinking, “Well, I messed up - might as well give up entirely.”

The Fix:

• Remind yourself that consistency beats perfection. Missing one day doesn’t erase your progress.

• Aim for 80/20 - focus on sticking to your plan 80% of the time, and allow yourself flexibility for the other 20%.

5. Keep It Personal

Let’s face it: some resolutions are made because we feel like we “should” do them.

Whether it’s pressure to lose weight or hit a career milestone, goals that aren’t truly meaningful to you are harder to stick to.

The Fix:

• Reflect on why the goal matters to you. How will achieving it improve your life?

• Set goals that align with your values and priorities, not someone else’s expectations.

6. Track Your Progress

If you’re not measuring your progress, it’s easy to feel like you’re not moving forward - even when you are.

The Fix:

• Find a way to track your progress, whether it’s logging workouts, taking progress photos, or journaling your wins.

• Celebrate small milestones along the way to keep your momentum going.

The Bottom Line

Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions isn’t about willpower or perfection - it’s about setting realistic goals, building habits, and following a clear roadmap.

This year, don’t waste time going in circles.

Focus on progress over perfection, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Ready to take your health and fitness goals to the next level?

Book a free call here to get started on a personalised strategy that fits your lifestyle.

P.S. If you’re not already subscribed to my free newsletter, I share weekly tips to help you lose weight without giving up your favourite foods or doing endless cardio. You can subscribe here.

Whenever you’re ready to work together, I’ll simplify and strategically plan your weight loss journey so you can focus on results -not restrictions.

Start by booking a free call here.