Let’s be brutally honest with each other…
January is the month of setting goals—then quitting on them.
I’m not part of the 5% who actually start something new and keep going all month long. You’ve probably heard that 95% of goal and resolution setters have dropped back and punted by the third week of January.
Are you one of the many “punters” or one of the few “keepers?” If you’re smart, you’ll say neither and save your goal-setting for the other eleven months of the year.
Have you heard about Quitters Day?
It’s a thing. Quitter’s Day falls on the second Friday in January. This year, it was January 10th.
Quitter’s Day is set aside to recognize those who set new year goals and fail to achieve them — and to encourage and equip them to try again and ultimately succeed. Research has shown that people quit their resolutions for the year by the second Friday of January.”—NationalToday.com
Check the numbers. Like anything on the internet, you’ll find different opinions, assertions, and possibly some facts here and there. My point is simple, January is a terrible month to set life-changing goals because odds are you’re likely to quit.
It’s all over by the 3rd week of January
As I write this, we’re two-thirds of our way through January. And how much do we have to show for it that’s any different from last year this time? If you’re like 95% of everyone else you have thrown in the towel on any goals or resolutions you may have set.
Why we think January is the best time to pursue new goals:
- We do the same thing every year. We see January as a clean slate, a month of new beginnings overflowing with hope and aspirations. Sigh.
- We naturally spent time in December reflecting on the past year.
- The human psyche has some romantic notion that this new year will finally be “our year.”
- And a boatload of other reasons not worth a mention.
Why January is the worst time to set new goals:
- We’re pummeled with messages about productivity, self-improvement, success, transformation, and having your best year ever—none of which are on your terms.
- Let’s be honest. We’re exhausted from the holidays. Why not use January for “rest, relaxation, and recovery instead?”
- Seasonal Adjustment Disorder is real and if you’re affected by short, cold, cloudy days you’ll be in no mood to do or be your best. Let’s focus on your self-care for now.
- Because everyone else is making resolutions and setting goals.
- This means it’s even harder to see what really matters to you when you’re hearing about what all those other people are doing.
The key to not quitting something you started is to not just decide to do something but to be totally devoted to doing it.”—Strava.com
Here’s a sane alternative to the madness…
Recognize that “reflection” is a natural response to the end of one year and the beginning of the next. We’re not going to fight that—it’s hardwired.
First, set yourself up for a quick win that you can easily accomplish within two or three weeks. Why? Instead of quitting like everyone else, you’ll have started the year with a victory.
Once you have the first one under your belt, you’ve set the tone to keep moving forward. Spend the next week or so thinking about your next objective. By prioritizing your goals to focus on one major objective at a time, you’ll eliminate the overwhelm and avoid depleting your energy.
Keep in mind that stumbles here and there are natural. Commit to yourself that when they happen, you’ll get back after it the next day. If that doesn’t happen, cut yourself some slack and pick back up at your next opportunity.
Persistence and resilience are key.
National Today says, “The tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions began some 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians. For them, the year did not begin in January but in mid-March—on the first moon after the spring equinox.” I think they were on to something.
That something is this…
If the significance of your start date matters, and for most of us it does—pick any start date that’s not in January. It can be your birthday, winter or summer solstice, the 180th day of the year, the Fourth of July, or be like the Babylonians.
Choose whatever is meaningful to you that’s coming up soon. How does next Monday sound?
And you know what… you can set a goal on any day you choose, as long as you’re calling the shots and setting them on your terms—which is unlikely in January.
Be untucked.
Thank you for reading LifeUntucked today. It really means a lot considering you have millions of other choices. I strive to make it one of the most helpful and entertaining blogs in cyberspace. Your thoughts and comments are always welcome!
Copyright © 2025 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved
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