Small goals lead to success. Don’t make the mistake of yet another New Year’s resolution that won’t see February.
How many Januarys start with huge goals only to end up as an afterthought by spring?
I’ve learned over the years that snowstorms, sicknesses, extra work responsibilities, and life will get in the way.
In fact, I wrote about my own journey (here) in 2020…Yes, THAT 2020…
Studies show us that between 80-88% of us will abandon our resolutions by the 2nd week in January. (study link here)
So why set ourselves up for failure? And do you know why we (and millions of other people) will not achieve our 2025 New Year’s resolutions?
Because of Parkinson’s Law.
If you’re not familiar with Parkinson’s Law, it states that “work expands to fill available time” (Wikipedia link). Simply put, the amount of work needed adjusts to the time available for its completion.
For example: My daughter was given four weeks to accomplish an assignment. She started thinking about it after three weeks. And didn’t actually start the project until 48 hours before it was due. That’s Parkinson’s Law.
It’s the same with New Year’s resolutions. If you set a goal in January and give yourself 12 months to reach it (no timeframe at all because your goal was to “lose weight” or “get healthier”), it’s probably not going to happen. You might be super motivated in week one or two, but then life will happen. You’ll tell yourself you have 11 more months to achieve it, and before you know it, it’ll be next year already.
So does that mean you should never set big goals? Of course not! But let’s set small, manageable goals that support and get us closer to our one big goal. A coach can help you break down the steps into manageable chunks.
Say you want to lose 20 lbs. this year. Make your first goal to eat one serving of protein at each meal for two weeks.
After you have conquered that goal, make 30 minutes of exercise three times a week your goal. Then go on to the next small goal and the next one and so forth.
Eventually, each small goal stacks up on itself, helping you reach your really big goal for the year! (For further reading on this, check out Atomic Habits.)
So in 2025, let small goals guide your path instead of setting yourself up for failure.
Write down your one big goal. Then break it down into short, small goals.
By this time next year, you’ll look back and surprise yourself with how much you’ve accomplished.
And if you still need help, you can schedule a goal-setting appointment with a RipGen Training staff member [HERE].
Live Healthy, Live Inspired
-Coach Bob
RipGen Training & Nutrition provides the resources, expertise, and support to help you achieve your goals effectively and efficiently. With a comprehensive approach that addresses strength and muscle development, nutrition, and lifestyle change, we empower our members to unlock their full potential and transform their bodies and lives for the better.
