As the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, millions of people commit to New Year’s resolutions, determined that this year will finally be different.
But here’s a reality check: research shows that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail, with most people abandoning them by mid-February.
For weight loss resolutions specifically, the failure rate is even higher, as crash diets and unsustainable habits lead to quick burnout.
The question isn’t whether resolutions fail—it’s why they fail. And the answer may surprise you.
Why Resolutions Fail: A System Designed to Break Down
1. Unrealistic Expectations
Resolutions are often born out of frustration rather than a clear plan.
People set lofty goals like "lose 30 pounds" or "go to the gym every day," but these expectations ignore the complexities of real life.
When the initial motivation fades, these goals quickly feel impossible.
2. Relying on Willpower Alone
Willpower is like a muscle—it gets tired. Neuroscience shows that habit change requires more than sheer determination.
When you rely solely on willpower, you fight against ingrained behaviours and brain patterns without a system to support you.
3. Ignoring the Science of Habits
Resolutions focus on outcomes, not processes.
For example, deciding to "eat healthier" doesn’t address the root cause of why you reach for junk food in the first place, like stress or emotional triggers.
You’re destined to fall back into old patterns without understanding your habits.
4. Lack of Accountability
Most resolutions are made in isolation, without a clear plan for tracking progress or staying accountable. Without external support or guidance, it’s easy to give up when things get hard.
The Stats Don’t Lie
80% of people abandon their resolutions by February.
A study found that only 8% of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolutions by year’s end, according to a study from the University of Scranton.
In the first week alone, 25% of resolutions are already abandoned due to a lack of clarity and unrealistic goals.
Clearly, the traditional approach to resolutions isn’t working. So, what’s the alternative?
The Alternative: A Systems-Based Approach
Instead of setting resolutions, build a system supporting sustainable habits.
This isn’t about quick fixes or temporary bursts of motivation—it’s about rewiring your brain, reworking your environment, and creating a framework for lasting change.
1. Rewire Your Brain
Most resolutions fail because they don’t address the brain’s role in habits and cravings. Willpower doesn't overcome emotional eating, stress, and old patterns—they’re rewired through deliberate strategies like those in our Rejuvenise 360 Holistic Healthy Living®.
Example: Use the Neuro-Anchor Technique to rewire stress responses by pairing a positive sensory cue, like squeezing a stress ball, with visualising your healthiest self. Over time, this retrains your brain to replace stress-driven eating with productive, rewarding actions.
2. Focus on Processes, Not Outcomes
Instead of saying, "I want to lose 20 pounds," focus on the actions that lead to that result, like improving your nutrition or moving daily.
Small, consistent changes are far more effective than drastic overhauls.
Example: Commit to eating a protein-rich breakfast or walking for 15 minutes daily.
3. Build Accountability
Resolutions often fail in isolation, but systems thrive with accountability. A coach or community to guide you and celebrate your progress keeps you motivated and on track.
Example: Join a program like the Rejuvenise 360 Holistic Healthy Living® System, which offers personalised coaching and neuroscience-backed techniques to help you succeed.
What to Do Instead of Making Resolutions
Set Systems, Not Goals: Replace outcome-based goals with action-based systems. For example, instead of "eat healthier," plan specific meals or snacks for the week.
Understand Your Habits: Use tools like journaling to identify what triggers unhealthy behaviours. Once you understand the "why," you can change the "how."
Get Support: Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a group program, accountability is a game-changer for staying consistent.
The Results Speak for Themselves
Take Coach Terry, for example. At 54, he broke free from years of yo-yo dieting and emotional eating by ditching traditional resolutions and adopting a systems-based approach.
Using our Rejuvenise 360 techniques, he lost 30kg in 8 months, built muscle, and regained his confidence—all without crash diets or unsustainable habits.
He went from 1100 calories to 2600 and going.
This Year, Skip the Resolutions—
Start Your Transformation
New Year’s resolutions set you up to fail.
But with the right system, you can achieve lasting results without the frustration of quick-fix solutions. Don’t just dream about transformation this year; make it a reality.
The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is today.
Just like planting a seed, the sooner you take action, the sooner you’ll see the growth. Start now, and let your transformation take root!
Ready to stop the cycle and start building habits that last?
Join our Neuroscience of Weight Loss Masterclass and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.
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