5 Steps to Help You Conquer Quitters Day

It’s hard to believe that Quitters Day is a real thing. You won’t find it on a calendar, but it is the day when eager and motivated people who set New Year’s resolutions, lose their motivation and quit. 

Statistical analysis using fitness apps and goal setting platforms, say that by the 2nd Friday in January (this coming Friday!) 80% of people hang it up. A 2007 study by Richard Wiseman of the University of Bristol found that 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail by February, even though 52% of the study’s participants were confident of success at the beginning. The University of Scranton’s research suggests that ONLY  8% of people will actually achieve their New Year’s goal… which means 92% of resolutions fail!

Why People Fail

1. Needing Instant Gratification - This is more of an issue now than ever before with the power of technology at our fingertips and the non-stop bombardment of social media posts reminding us what we are not.
2. Loss of Motivation - People may want something but lack the will to make it happen.  For many people they feel alone and when you are alone, it’s tough to maintain the confidence to stay on the journey.
3. Choosing an Easy Path - It goes hand-in-hand with the first two on the list. It’s not happening fast enough and you don't have the motivation/commitment to take the necessary time to create habits. The path you have chosen is a tough climb and maybe an obstacle is blocking your path. So you look for an easy path that turns out to be a path to nowhere.
4. Setting Overly Ambitious Goals - Dream Big! That’s what they say. But, a dream isn’t a plan. Neither is hope. People set goes with no historical reference that they can even achieve it. They want it to happen, but have no plan on how they will actually do it. Throw in the fact that they are alone, well, it’s a recipe for disaster.

When you read that list, does it hit home for you? Does it sound familiar?

What Experts Suggest
I pulled together a list of the common recommendations you will find in various articles, posted on websites, or part of a helpful meme.

1. Break into smaller pieces
2. Track progress
3. Support from Peers and/or Community
4. Flexibility when strategies aren’t working
5. Set realistic goals

Those are pretty good. It’s hard to argue with them, would you agree? Did you look at that list and say to yourself, “no problem”? I’m sure you have tried some variation of that list in the past and maybe it got you a little bit past Quitters Day, but did it get you to your goal?

5-Step IMPACT Coaching Process
Everything above is just words unless you take action. That is what the 5-Step IMPACT coaching process is designed to do - get you into action in a way that makes sure you are focused on the right goal and that you have identified achievable pathways to hit that goal, WITHOUT having to travel that journey alone.

Step 1. Connect the Whys
We use several tools to understand your purpose and uncover your passions. We avoid HOPE and make sure that what you have the fire inside of you and is sustainable to push you on your journey.

Step 2. Define the Goal/Vision of the Future State you want to achieve
You have to be clear and realistic as to what YOU want to achieve. Not what your friend group or what social media tells you should want. But we focus on that true north and make sure it is aligned with your why.

Step 3. Take time to define a pathway by working backwards from that Future State
This is key. Most people treat their goals like a game of hide and seek.  Waiting for people to tell them if they are hot or cold towards some goal. We use time to create understanding and alignment between the Whys and where we want to be. We work our way backwards, finding multiple pathways that can take you to your goal.

Step 4. Identify milestones to measure progress on your journey
Taking road trips are a lot easier when you have mile markers and road signs to let you know where you are and what’s ahead. You need to celebrate wins. Real wins. That starts by breaking down your journey into steps of a process that builds confidence and habits. 

Step 5. Foster ownership through accountability
It’s the habits that are built through the process where the true value is found. This approach helps reinforce the ownership you have over decisions and what is in your control. Regular check-ins, not check-ons, helps establish ownership.

Challenge to You
You can definitely do this on your own. I’m confident in that. But will you? Didn’t you say the same thing last year? And the year before that?

There is a famous quote that is typically misattributed to Albert Einstein, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Regardless of its origin, it’s gold. So this year, let’s try something new. Reach out because impact is a 2 way street and you don’t have to travel it alone. IMPACT Coaching is a great way to make sure you stick to your goal Beyond Today. 

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If you find it challenging to hit your goals, reach out today and let’s have a free 30-min conversation about the next steps to make 2025 a year of impact for you.
https://www.iserve2lead.com/contact.html