Behavioral expert reveals one simple tweak to make New Year's resolutions stick—it’s a game-changer

It’s the end of the year, and many are excited to embrace 2025 with all they’ve got. However, there’s one tradition that most people try to maintain but often fail to follow through with—New Year’s resolutions. These goals are enthusiastically pursued in the first few weeks of the year, but whether it’s a commitment to exercise regularly or take up a new hobby, it’s not surprising that they often fall by the wayside. Nadav Klein, assistant professor of organizational behavior, shared insights on how we can get closer to achieving our goals without relying on monotonous and unrealistic resolutions this New Year, according to Psychology Today.

According to an analysis, only four in ten people manage to stick to their New Year’s resolutions, reports The Washington Post. Most fail to keep up with their ambitious goals by the second month of the year. There are various reasons for this, from busy lifestyles to unexpected challenges like illness or loss. At times, the goals we set for ourselves can become too exhausting, leading to burnout. Other times, even the simplest goals can feel overwhelming. Nadav Klein, assistant professor of organizational behavior, used the example of going to the gym and eating healthy to illustrate how rigorous and exhausting such resolutions can be.

Getting a membership to a great gym, figuring out diet and workout plans and actually keeping up with them gets beyond stressful. If only there was a way to get a positive start to the year without having to abruptly discontinue them midway. Apparently, there is! Klein suggests one simple tweak when setting resolutions—delegation. Tackling resolutions alone can feel monotonous and exhausting, but involving a community for support can significantly increase your chances of success.

Going back to the gym example, hiring a personal trainer can ease the burden of planning workouts and figuring out how to stay on track. Trainers not only guide you through exercises but also help track progress and adjust your plan for more efficient results. However, the professor acknowledged that delegation might not always be affordable. In that case, involving loved ones like friends or family can also be a successful alternative. Voluntary delegation, such as partnering up with someone for workouts or setting mutual fitness goals, can help keep both parties motivated and increase the chances of success.

All you need to do is figure out your resolution and find ways to delegate it to others to improve your chances of sticking with it throughout the year. Additionally, setting realistic goals, being lenient with yourself and maintaining consistency—even if it’s just a small effort—can significantly enhance the likelihood of success.

We can’t do everything by ourselves. However, we can always initiate the goal and take one step at a time with community effort and an enthusiastic mindset. Let's beat the blues and ace sticking to our resolutions till the end.