“Every champion was once a contender
who refused to give up.” ~Rocky Balboa
2025 Resolutions
My last post reviewed effective goal-setting. Have you had a chance to review your goals and resolutions for 2025? How are things going so far?
Quitter’s Day
From time to time, I include hokey national holidays in my blogs. They can serve as good reminders and/or bring a bit of fun into our lives. It’s only a few days into the new year and a holiday I had never heard of has already come to my attention – Quitter’s Day.
Perhaps, you are familiar with this “holiday” which falls on the second Friday in January each year – January 10th in 2025. It’s considered the day when many people will give up on their New Year’s resolutions.
It’s not surprising that resolutioners quit so early on in the game. Often, such individuals set lofty goals that may seem insurmountable especially right out of the gate. The fast pace of life resumes after the holiday lull and motivation tends to wane. Resolutions become one more item on an already-crowded to-do list.
Chunking to Avoid Quitting
But, not so fast! Perhaps, that resolution of yours can be salvaged this year! Ask yourself if your goal is really worthwhile. If so, commend yourself for reaching for the stars in the first place. Recognize that change can be very challenging. There are psychological and even physical reasons for this. Think of habits like wearing a groove in your brain. Reversing habits require some brain “repair”.
Although resolutioners may be able to stick to their goals by sheer willpower during the first ten days of the new year, the mind and body resist the changes. But, not to fret. The key here is to break your major goal down into smaller goals – a process called “chunking”. (“Inch by inch, it’s a cinch.” ~Robert Schuller.) Add small changes into your daily routine gradually until they are seamlessly integrated into your existing habits.
Formula to Quit or Not to Quit
In the spirit of “Quitter’s Day”, I’ll bite and provide my Formula to Quit – (1) set unrealistic goals; (2) expect immediate success; and (3) have no accountability.
However, I would never leave my readers on such a note. Here’s a condensed Formula Not to Quit – (1) set manageable goals as you work toward your overarching resolution (see my previous blog post); (2) set a realistic timeline; and (3) get support and accountability. (Coaching is an excellent way to do this!)
If you think you might quit, schedule a Strategy Call with me immediately!
In the meantime, Don’t You Quit!
Don’t Quit
Poet: Edgar A. Guest
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit –
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about when he
Might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than it seems
To a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up when he
Might have captured the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And when you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst,
You must not quit.
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