We are approaching the end of the year, an opportunity to reflect on the progress you have made toward personal goals and set new ones for the upcoming year. According to a 2024 Pew Research survey, 30 percent of U.S. adults make at least one New Year’s resolution.

New Year’s resolutions reflect a desire for personal growth. The majority of resolutions revolve around health goals such as exercising more often or eating healthier, reaching personal financial milestones, and addressing interpersonal relationships. Despite good intentions, the majority fail to stick to their New Year’s resolutions for a variety of reasons.

First of all, healthy habits do not yield immediate results. You will not reach your health goals after a week of exercising and mindful eating. The same holds true for personal finance or relationship goals. This makes you vulnerable to disappointment and discouragement because the outcome of your efforts does not meet your expectations.

A second reason is that healthy habits require some initial expenditure of effort, focus, and energy. Consider different healthy habits such as going for a walk, preparing a nutritious meal, reading a book, or journaling. What these behaviors have in common is that they require an initial investment in effort, focus, and energy.

On the other hand,........

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