How to Stop Sabotaging Your New Year’s Resolutions

Updated on June 18, 2020

Research has shown that about half of all adults make New Year’s resolutions, yet less than 10 percent manage to keep them for more than a few months. In fact, by June, few people have kept all of their resolutions. 

One of the biggest reasons people have trouble keeping resolutions – whether it is losing weight, improving their relationships, or managing finances – is our tendency to sabotage ourselves.

No matter what our goals are, sometimes we end up making choices or acting in a way that undermines what we really want. Even with the best of conscious intentions, we often allow this self-sabotage to creep in and prevent us from reaching our goals.

Here are 5 ways people sabotage their goals and what to do about it:

1. Focusing on Failure

What to do: The people who succeed may actually have more failures in their lives because it’s those failures that lead to the skill and wisdom to succeed the next time. Rather than feeling defeated when you fail, look for the lessons and the things you’ve done right that you can build upon.

2. Not Celebrating Small Victories

What to do: When you’re working on a goal, it usually helps to break it down into smaller milestones. The same concept can be applied to the celebration of those milestones. Don’t wait to pat yourself on the back until you’ve reached your goal. Celebrate the minor victories you achieve along the way.

3. Procrastinating

What to do: Procrastination may result from feelings or trapped emotions of fear, dread, or insecurity. Resolving the emotions that may cause you to put things off can make a world of difference in your success. Take marriage for example. Couples who are planning to get married may be putting it off, maybe due to the finances involved, just not being ready, or even fears of commitment. There’s always help available. Consider online counseling if you need help. Click here for more information: https://www.regain.us/advice/engagement/the-true-premarital-counseling-cost/.

4. Faking It

What to do: Ever found yourself putting on a fake smile when you really feel sad, angry, or resentful? Release those negative emotions so you can experience the joy and motivation that keeps you moving toward the things you really want.

5. Imposter Syndrome

What to do: Take stock of your accomplishments – write them down. And don’t just focus on the big things. After all, the small stuff is what adds up to make you the person you are. Hold on to your list. Add to it at every opportunity. Use it to fuel positive affirmations about who you really are and what you’re capable of.

If you can do these five things, chances are you’ll be better equipped to stop sabotaging yourself and start achieving your goals.

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