We’re heading towards the mid-way point of the month which means it’s time to check in on how we’re doing with our New Year’s goals and resolutions. If you’re ready to throw in the towel and try again in 2027 then you’re in the right place – this article will talk you into keeping your resolutions and making a positive change this year.
First off, you’re not alone in feeling frustrated with yourself for not being disciplined or feeling like you should just give up now. According to Drive Research, 80% of goal-setters feel confident they can stick to their resolutions but in reality only 20% of those who make resolutions will actually hold themselves accountable to sticking with their goals. That doesn’t have to be your story though! Here are some things to think about.
Perfection Isn’t Realistic
Let’s think about the resolution itself. Have you set yourself up to fail? Every January we feel pressure to start fresh and do everything perfectly. Your resolutions don’t have to be “go big or go home” to be meaningful. We’re human, and growth takes time. 
If work and school have you run down and your goal is to get more sleep, aiming for a 9:00 p.m. bedtime after years of going to bed at 10:30 isn’t realistic. Setting a goal that drastic can actually set you up to fail. Instead, try going to bed early one or two nights a week, or even just 15 minutes earlier each night. Those small wins build confidence — and by June, you may find yourself naturally going to bed 30 minutes earlier, proud of the progress you’ve made.
Be Proud of your progress
Small improvements like getting 15 extra minutes will eventually add up. Let’s say you only meet this resolution 50% of the time, that’s still 45 extra hours of sleep in 2026 – 45 hours of sleep you wouldn’t have had if you gave up on your goal or didn’t have a goal at all!
This progress over perfection mentality will take you far in all aspects of your life. We need to remember to give ourselves grace and remember that progress is what actually moves us forward. Real change doesn’t happen in a straight line. It happens through effort, adjustment, and persistence.
When bumps in the road threaten your resolution
Bumps in the road aren’t signs that a goal wasn’t meant to happen — they’re part of the process. Challenges help reveal what needs to change, where extra support is needed, and how to keep moving forward. Sometimes life requires you to pivot your goals or resolutions, and that’s okay. Who says goals only count if they start on January 1? Every new month, week, or even day offers a chance to make a small change or try again.
For example, if you lose a loved one and grief threatens to derail your goal of spending less time on your phone because it has become a coping mechanism, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. You might adjust your goal and use your phone intentionally to foster connection during a hard season — calling or video chatting with family a couple of times a week. Even small shifts like this can help you move forward while honoring what you’re going through.
Small Wins Add Up
You don’t need massive changes to make real progress. Showing up again after a hard day. Choosing to try one more time. Making one better decision than yesterday — these small wins stack up over time.
Consistency, not perfection, is what creates lasting results.
Keep Going
If your New Year hasn’t started exactly as planned, you haven’t failed. You’re still moving forward as long as you don’t stop. Progress honors effort, patience, and resilience — and that’s how goals are truly achieved.
This year, give yourself permission to grow imperfectly. It’s still growth.