How are we already thinking about 2025 and the new year? It doesn't seem possible that this year will be over in just 10 weeks. And with the new year comes the standard new year's resolutions. I've kept a whopping total of 1 resolution and it was to never make a new year's resolution again.

We convince ourselves that the changing of a calendar date will give us the ability to transform into a whole new person. You’re ready to hit the gym five days a week, master a foreign language, or conquer some other massive challenge. But how long does that usually last? Weeks, maybe?

Why do New Year’s resolutions fail so spectacularly? Because they're like trying to run a marathon without first learning how to walk. Here’s why smaller changes are the way to go.

Resolutions are over-ambitious

Most resolutions look great on paper. We think we can overhaul our entire lifestyle in one go, but that’s like trying to build a house in a weekend. You need a plan, and you need to start from the bottom and work up.

Instant gratification meets long-term goals

Resolutions often tap into our obsession with instant results. We want to lose 20 pounds in a month or go from couch potato to fitness influencer by February. But big changes take time!

January 1st isn't magic

Why wait until January 1st to become a "better" person? It will be just a random Wednesday, and it has just as much potential of being magic as tomorrow does. If you want to make changes, you don’t need fireworks or a ball drop to give you permission. Start on a random Wednesday in October, or in November!

Tiny changes > big promises

Small life changes are like sneaking vegetables into your pasta sauce. You barely notice it’s happening, but they add up over time. Whether it’s drinking one more glass of water a day, walking a bit more, or spending five minutes meditating before facing the chaos of your day, these changes are realistic. And realistic will stick.

Failure-proofing your goals

The beauty of small life changes is that if you fall off track, it's no big deal. You missed a day? Just get back on tomorrow. But with New Year’s resolutions, if you slip up once, it feels like the universe is telling you to give up entirely. Or at least until next January.

Embrace the steady pace

Resolutions are like sprinting to the finish line, but small changes are like the slow and steady tortoise, just with more real results. So next time you're thinking about making a huge life shift, ditch the resolution and try changing one small habit at a time. You’ll be surprised how far you’ll go!

Are you ready to make a non-New Year's resolution by making small but meaningful changes? Whether you know where to start or not, my role as a Certified Life Coach is to help you map your changes out. Reach out today for a no-obligation chat. And let's resolve to not wait until January 1 to make changes.

Here's to bigger risks, bold moves, and a mindset that's ready for anything.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!