Happy New Year!
Whether you call them resolutions or goals, chances are you’ve got a couple of fresh intentions for the year ahead. So…now what?
We’ve all heard how gym memberships spike in January – maybe you’ve even been part of that crowd, brimming with energy and ready to crush it. And yet, by February, attendance starts to dip. (If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!) The numbers don’t lie – gyms track it, but honestly, this pattern plays out across all kinds of goals, not just fitness ones.
It’s exciting to imagine the outcome – how we’ll feel once we’ve hit that goal or built that new habit into our lives. That spark of motivation at the start? It’s real, and it’s powerful. The thought of finally crossing that finish line or becoming the version of ourselves we’ve envisioned is enough to get us moving.
But at some point, most of us hit at least one of these roadblocks:
We can’t quite get the new habits to stick and end up sliding back into old routines.
The effort feels bigger than expected, or we get stuck on one tricky part, leaving us frustrated and questioning if now is really the right time – or if it’s even possible.
Life throws a curveball – illness, stress, a major event – and suddenly, our goals feel less urgent (or doable).
The good news? This is completely normal. When life happens, it’s important to give yourself some grace. But the truth is, there are still plenty of choices we can make – small, meaningful actions that help us stay on track. Even for that one resolution that seems to make the list year after year.
Yes, there will absolutely be times that just plain suck. Ups and downs are part of the deal – it’s life. But as I mentioned in a recent blog:
"You always have a choice. Even in the middle of the holiday whirlwind, when plans fall apart, or when the calendar feels overwhelming, you can choose to pause, ground yourself, and realign with your priorities. You can decide what matters most and take intentional steps forward.”
[read full blog here.]
That message wasn’t just for the holidays – it applies year-round. No matter what season you’re in, the power to choose is always yours. Those intentional pauses, the ones where you reconnect to what truly matters, are game-changers when it comes to staying on track.
So, what can you do to turn those New Year's resolutions into reality? What do you actually need to keep moving forward and make those goals stick?
Establish & Maintain Boundaries with Yourself
First things first – boundaries with yourself are key. That means consistently showing up, taking action, and making choices that serve your highest good, even when distractions try to steal the show. Sound familiar?
That one app you swear you’ll delete but somehow spend hours scrolling through...
Giving in to the ease of food delivery, even when you told yourself this week would be “home-cooked meals only.”
Keeping sweets, wine, or chips around – telling yourself you’ll have more discipline this time (until you don’t).
Letting perfectionism take over – either stressing about every detail or avoiding projects altogether.
These are all places where a little boundary-setting can go a long way. Small actions, like deleting that time-suck app, setting a bedtime alarm, or setting time limits for how long you spend on tasks, can help you stay in alignment with what you actually want.
Establish & Maintain Boundaries with Others
Now, let’s talk about boundaries with others – because distractions don’t just come from within. Sometimes, we let other people’s needs or expectations derail us. Do any of these ring a bell?
A friend who leaves you drained after every hangout.
Being the go-to person at work, bringing projects home to “catch up.”
Family members constantly nudging you about life choices – marriage, kids, buying a house…
A sibling or neighbor who calls to “borrow” (but never return) cash or clothes, or shows up unexpectedly.
That friend or partner who never grabs the bill when you go out.
Your time, energy, and money are valuable. Every “yes” to others is a “no” to something else – often your own goals. Learning to say “no” (or “not right now”) helps you protect your resources for the things that truly matter. And this doesn’t have to mean cutting people off. It’s about staying in charge of your time and how you spend it. The same applies to yourself – know your limits and honor them.
Be Held Accountable
If there’s one thing that will skyrocket your chances of success, it’s accountability. Think about it – how often do you skip deadlines or blow off commitments at work? Not often, right? There’s built-in accountability. Clients and managers expect you to show up, and the consequences for not following through can be significant – poor reviews, unhappy clients, or even losing your job.
Now, imagine holding yourself to the same standard when it comes to your personal goals. It’s way easier to let things slide when no one’s watching. But the long-term consequences? They’re real:
Lower confidence and self-worth.
Health issues that sneak up over time.
Financial strain or missing out on the things you dream about.
Regret. (The worst.)
These aren’t things that hit overnight. They build slowly, choice by choice. But the good news? So does progress. And it starts with deciding to show up for yourself—just like you would for anyone else who’s counting on you.
How many times have you told yourself this is the year you’ll finally get the house organized or tackle those unfinished projects? How much more time will you waste searching for things before you take action? How long will you carry the weight of guilt and frustration?
How often have you set the same health goals year after year? What needs to happen before you follow through? How many mornings will you avoid looking in the mirror, silently promising yourself that tomorrow you’ll start?
How many times have you made financial goals – paying off debt, saving more – but slipped back into old patterns? How much longer will you let interest pile up or let debt hold your dreams hostage? When will the regret of waiting finally outweigh the fear of starting?
How often have you said this is the year you’ll find a new job or launch that business idea? How many more Monday mornings will you dread before something shifts? At what point will the narrative change to “it’s too late” or “I should have done this sooner”?
Tough questions, right? But they’re the real, necessary ones. And future-you will thank present-you for having the courage to answer them honestly. Naming the issue is the first step toward resolving it.
You deserve to reach your goals.
Whatever your resolutions – whether they’re about building habits, reaching milestones, or chasing big dreams – let them be your roadmap, not a burden.
Yes, it takes effort. But when you create the right boundaries with yourself and others, and bring in the accountability you need, you’ll see it’s worth it.
And if some goals need to wait? That’s okay too. Sometimes the best path is to focus on indirect actions that move you closer, even if you can’t dive in fully just yet.
For example, if your dream is to backpack South America but this year isn’t the right time, what can you do now to be ready when the time comes? Maybe you focus on getting fit for those epic hikes, start learning Spanish, or research the best places to stay. Progress can take many forms.
There’s always something you can do to move forward. Sure, it’s easy to come up with excuses – but what if you came up with an action plan instead? What if you really made this your year?
Challenges will come, but I hope this guide helps you navigate them and stay on track toward the life you’re working to build.
I’m here to support you every step of the way. From courses and free workshops and downloads to 1:1 and group coaching to organizing support and retreats – I’ve got options to meet you where you are. Let's make this your best year yet.
Enjoy the journey,
Julie
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