The secret to achieving goals, Uncategorised

Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work: And What Really Drives Lasting Change at Home and in Work

Posted on by katemountain
16
Jan

    Every January, millions of us declare, “This is my year!” We set ambitious resolutions, eat healthier, exercise more, stress less, fuelled by the promise of a fresh start. But here’s the thing: research consistently shows that most New Year’s resolutions in the UK don’t last beyond a few weeks.

    A recent YouGov survey found that only about a quarter of Brits make resolutions, and of those, the majority admit they don’t keep them for long. The main reasons? Not being truly ready to change, lack of planning, and relying on willpower alone instead of building real supportive systems and strategies.

    If you’ve fallen off the wagon before Valentine’s Day (or even Blue Monday), you’re not alone. So why do New Year’s resolutions so often fail, and what does the science say about real behaviour change, for individuals and organisations?

    In this article, I’ll explore:

    • The evidence behind why resolutions rarely stick
    • The psychology of real, lasting behaviour change
    • How to know if you (or your team) are truly ready to change
    • Practical tips to get ready for change, any time of year
    • How to build a culture of sustainable wellbeing in workplaces

    By understanding what truly drives real change and applying these practical strategies, you can set yourself (and your team) up for meaningful, lasting wellbeing, no matter when you choose to start.

    Making change stick feels better together, real support leads to lasting wellbeing at work and at home

    The Science: Resolutions vs. Real Change

    Let’s cut to the chase: New Year’s resolutions are appealing because they offer a symbolic clean slate. But the science tells us that behaviour change is a process, not a date in the calendar (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983). Most people set resolutions based on what they think they “should” do, not what they’re actually ready to do. As a result, motivation fades, willpower wanes, and old habits sneak back in.

    A landmark study by (Norcross et al. 2022) found that while around 40% of Americans make resolutions, only 19% maintain them long-term. The culprit? Not being ready for real change, not having a plan, and relying on sheer willpower instead of supportive systems and strategies.

    Are You Ready for Change? (Spoiler: The Date Doesn’t Matter)

    Behaviour change experts talk about “readiness for change”, a concept that applies just as much to individuals as to organisations. The Transtheoretical Model (Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983) describes stages like precontemplation (not thinking about change), contemplation (considering it), preparation (making plans), action, and maintenance.

    If you, or your workplace, aren’t genuinely ready, no calendar date will magically create sustainable change. Instead, ask:

    • Do I/we actually want to make this change, or do I/we just think I/we should?
    • What support do I/we need?
    • What’s getting in the way?
    • How will I/we know if progress is being made?

    By honestly answering these questions, you’ll set yourself up for real progress, whenever you’re ready to start.

    Checking in with yourself before making a change leads to real results, teamwork starts from within.

    Next, let’s look at some practical tips to help you get there.

    Tips to Get Ready for Change (Science-Backed, Not Just Wishful Thinking)

    1. Start with Reflection: Identify what really matters to you (or your team). Why is this change important?
    2. Set Realistic Goals: Swap vague resolutions (“get fit”) for concrete, achievable actions (“walk 20 minutes three times a week”).
    3. Build Support Systems: Change is easier with supportive friends, family, or workplace colleagues.
    4. Track Progress: Use a journal, app, or regular check-ins to stay accountable and celebrate small wins.
    5. Don’t Wait for January: Any day is a good day to start, especially when you’re truly ready.
    6. Know Your Why: Get clear on the real reasons you want to make this change. Focusing on your personal motivators and the benefits you’ll gain will help keep you going, especially when things get tough.

    By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to make real changes that last.

    For Workplaces: Creating a Culture of Readiness

    For organisations aiming to improve staff wellbeing, change works best when employees are involved in the process, not simply handed a new initiative on January 1st! Assess readiness, invite feedback, and co-create solutions. Genuine, lasting workplace wellbeing comes from shared ownership and ongoing support (NICE, 2015).

    Understanding the “why” behind any change is just as important for workplaces as it is for individuals. When everyone is clear on the reasons for change and the benefits it brings, motivation and engagement grow, making success much more likely.

    To help you see the tangible benefits of real healthy workplace change, I’ve even put together a helpful guide for you.

    Are You Ready for Change?

    If you’re nodding along and thinking, “Maybe this year, I want to do things differently”, whether for yourself or your workplace, I can help. My evidence-based workplace and personal wellbeing coaching is designed to meet you where you are, offering practical strategies and support to turn good intentions into real, lasting change. Don’t just take my word for it, see what others have experienced in their own words on my testimonials page.

    Ready when you are? Find out more about my workplace wellbeing coaching or personal coaching and book your free consultation to see how I can help you take the next step.

    Remember, real change doesn’t wait for the “perfect” moment. It starts with a single, genuine decision to do things differently.

    katemountain