Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail and How to Make Yours Stick
Every year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions with the hope of making a fresh start. Lose weight. Get fit. Save money. Spend more time with family. These goals often come with the best intentions, but by February, most of them have already fizzled out. Why does this happen?
It’s simple: most people don’t have a system. Resolutions are usually spur-of-the-moment ideas, thrown together without much thought about how to actually accomplish them. That’s where the AOC Model—Awareness, Ownership, and Commitment—can make all the difference. When you follow this model, you’re far more likely to stick with your goals and achieve something meaningful.
Step 1: Awareness – Know Where You’re Starting From
The first step to making a resolution stick is awareness. This means being honest with yourself about where you are right now.
Let’s say your goal is to "eat healthier." Start by asking yourself:
What does my current diet look like?
How often am I eating processed or fast foods?
What patterns or habits are holding me back?
Awareness isn’t about beating yourself up. It’s about getting real with yourself so you know exactly what needs to change. You wouldn’t plan a road trip without knowing your starting point, right? The same logic applies here. Awareness gives you the foundation you need to move forward.
Step 2: Ownership – Take Responsibility for Your Goals
Once you’ve figured out where you’re starting, the next step is ownership. This is where a lot of people go wrong because they wait for motivation or blame external factors when things don’t go as planned.
Taking ownership means saying, "This is my goal, and I’m responsible for making it happen." Ask yourself:
Am I really committed to this, or is it just something I think I should do?
What am I willing to change or sacrifice to reach this goal?
What small steps can I take right now to get started?
For example, if your resolution is to "spend more quality time with family," take ownership by scheduling weekly game nights or setting boundaries with work to protect family time. Ownership is about putting yourself in the driver’s seat and being accountable for your progress.
Step 3: Commitment – Move Before You’re Motivated
Here’s a little-known truth: Motivation usually comes after you take action, not before. Commitment is about showing up and doing the work, even on days when you don’t feel like it.
If your goal is to "get more active," don’t wait to feel inspired. Commit to walking for 15 minutes a day, no matter what. Over time, that small habit can snowball into bigger changes. Celebrate the little wins to keep the momentum going.
Commitment also means preparing for obstacles. Life happens. You’ll have busy days, unexpected challenges, and moments of doubt. The key is to stay flexible and remind yourself why this goal matters to you.
The Power of Combining Awareness, Ownership, and Commitment
When you use the AOC Model, your resolutions become more than just wishful thinking:
Awareness helps you understand where you are.
Ownership gives you the power to take control.
Commitment keeps you moving forward, even when it’s tough.
Let’s say your resolution is to "improve your mental health." Here’s how the AOC Model can guide you:
Awareness: Reflect on your current stress levels and identify triggers.
Ownership: Decide to prioritize self-care and set up a routine that includes journaling, mindfulness, or therapy.
Commitment: Stick to these practices consistently, even on the days you feel too busy or unmotivated.
This model turns vague intentions into clear, actionable steps, giving you a roadmap to follow.
Make This Year Different
This year, don’t just set resolutions—build a system. Use the AOC Model to create goals that stick. Whether it’s improving your health, strengthening your relationships, or achieving something new in your career, Awareness, Ownership, and Commitment will help you get there.
Remember, high performance isn’t just for elite athletes or CEOs. It’s for anyone who’s ready to step up and put in the work. Make this the year you finally follow through—not because of luck or fleeting motivation, but because you’ve built a system that works.
