New Year, Same Chaos: Let’s Fix This
Ah, January. The month of fresh starts, lofty goals, and that one friend who insists they’re waking up at 5 a.m. every day to journal, meditate, and train for a marathon. (Spoiler: they last three days.) Let’s face it—New Year’s resolutions have become more of a meme than a lifestyle. We’ve all been there: setting goals with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated squirrel, only to abandon them faster than a Netflix series that starts with a slow first episode.
But why do resolutions fail? And more importantly, how can you actually stick to them this year? Grab your overpriced latte, settle into your thrifted chair, and let’s dive into the psychology behind resolution fails—and how to flip the script.
Step 1: Stop Lying to Yourself
Here’s the tea: We, Gen Z’s have a bad habit of aiming for goals that look great on Instagram but are impossible in real life. Aesthetic meal prep? Not when you’re still figuring out how to boil water. Spending less money? Bold of you to assume you won’t buy a random gadget TikTok swears you need.
The truth is, resolutions fail because they’re either way too ambitious or completely vague. Saying, “I’ll get fit this year” is basically code for “I’ll think about it in March, panic before summer, and give up by June.” Instead, break it down. Want to exercise more? Start by walking to class instead of taking the bus (unless it’s -30°C, in which case, we don’t judge).
Psychology 101: Your brain thrives on small wins. Setting realistic, bite-sized goals trains your mind to crave progress, not perfection.
Step 2: Forget the All-Or-Nothing Mindset
Another reason resolutions fail? Y’all treat them like fragile glass—one crack and it’s game over. You skipped the gym on January 6th? Oh well, might as well quit entirely and drown your sorrows in a tub of popcorn.
But here’s the thing: slip-ups don’t mean failure. They mean you’re human. Life happens, schedules get messy, and sometimes you just want to binge a show instead of pretending you’re the next fitness influencer. The trick is to embrace the slip-up and get back on track.
Hot Tip: Reward yourself for consistency, not perfection. Hit three workouts this week instead of your planned five? Treat yourself to something small. Might we suggest browsing Decathlon? They’ve got 10% off all the gear you need to turn your fitness goals into reality—without looking like you raided your grandpa’s gym closet.
Step 3: Make It Personal (Not Performative)
Let’s call it what it is: a lot of resolutions fail because they’re not really for you. You swore off sugar, not because you wanted to, but because TikTok said the “that girl” lifestyle doesn’t include dessert. You started journaling because your fave influencer has a cute journal, not because you have anything to write about besides what you had for lunch.
Resolutions stick when they’re meaningful. Instead of copying trends, think about what actually makes you happy. Hate running? Don’t force yourself to jog at sunrise for the aesthetic. Love dancing? Throw on a playlist and pretend your dorm room is Coachella. Make your goals fit your vibe, not someone else’s Pinterest board.
Step 4: Trick Your Brain with Habits
Ever notice how you scroll TikTok for hours without even realizing it? That’s the power of habits. Resolutions fail because they rely on willpower, which is like your phone battery—it drains fast. Habits, on the other hand, are autopilot for your brain.
Want to exercise more? Stack it with something you already do. Put your workout clothes by your bed, so you trip over them in the morning. Need motivation to study? Pair it with a reward, like blasting your fave playlist once you finish.
Hack Alert: Decathlon’s budget-friendly equipment makes it easier to build habits that stick. Whether it’s a yoga mat, resistance bands, or a pair of running shoes, having the right gear turns “ugh, I have to work out” into “look at me, I’m basically an athlete.”
The Science Bit (So You Can Sound Smart)
According to psychology, habits work because they’re cue-driven. We will get a bit more in-depth on this later on. Pair a goal (working out) with a cue (seeing your yoga mat) and a reward (post-workout smoothie), and boom—you’ve hacked your brain. Pavlov would be proud.
Step 5: Ditch Perfection, Embrace Progress
Gen Z has this thing where if it’s not perfect, it’s not worth doing. But let’s be real: perfect doesn’t exist. Waiting for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect energy level means you’ll never start. Resolutions are about progress, not perfection.
Skipped a week? That’s okay. Pick up where you left off. Only managed a 10-minute walk? Amazing, that’s better than nothing. Goals are like memes—they’re meant to evolve. So cut yourself some slack and focus on the little wins.
Coming Up: How to Stay Motivated (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Stay tuned for the second half, where we’ll dive into the secrets of staying motivated, avoiding burnout, and how to trick your brain into loving your resolutions. Spoiler: Decathlon gear might just make an appearance again.
Step 6: Motivation Is a Myth—Here’s What Works Instead
If you’re waiting for motivation to kick in, you’ll be waiting longer than the line at Starbucks during exam week. Motivation is fleeting—it’s there when you make the resolution, hyped on “new year, new me” energy, but it’s gone faster than you can say “lazy Sunday.”
What you really need is a system. Systems are like your safety net for the days you don’t feel like doing anything. Instead of relying on sheer willpower (spoiler: it runs out), set up routines that make sticking to your goals automatic.
Example:
- Want to work out more? Keep your Decathlon dumbbells, resistance bands, or yoga mat in plain sight. Seeing them is a visual reminder that you planned to exercise, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
- Trying to eat healthier? Prep snacks in advance and keep them within arm’s reach. (Because let’s be honest, if it’s not easy to grab, it’s not happening.)
Key Takeaway: Build systems that work for you, not systems that only work for the influencers you follow.
Step 7: Why We’re So Bad at Resolutions (According to Science)
Time to put on our nerd hats and talk about the psychology behind why resolutions fail. Spoiler: it’s not because you’re lazy or unmotivated. Blame your brain—it’s wired to make sticking to new habits ridiculously hard.
Here’s the science:
- We’re Addicted to Immediate Rewards: Your brain loves instant gratification. Scrolling TikTok? Immediate dopamine hit. Eating that extra slice of pizza? Delicious and satisfying right now. Resolutions, on the other hand, usually involve long-term rewards (like better health or saving money), which your brain couldn’t care less about.
- We Set Unrealistic Goals: The bigger the goal, the more overwhelming it feels. Saying, “I’ll save $1,000 by February” sounds great, but if you don’t have a plan, your brain will tap out faster than a WWE wrestler.
- We Rely on Willpower: Willpower is like your phone battery—it starts strong in the morning and drains as the day goes on. Resolutions that rely purely on willpower are doomed from the start.
The Psychology Sources You Can Name-Drop to Sound Smart
- The Habit Loop (Charles Duhigg): Habits form through cues, routines, and rewards. Pairing these three elements makes sticking to resolutions easier.
- Temporal Discounting (George Ainslie): This is the science-y term for why we prioritize short-term rewards over long-term benefits.
- Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci): You’re more likely to stick to goals that align with your personal values and give you a sense of autonomy. Translation: resolutions you actually want to do.
Step 8: Make It Fun, or Don’t Bother
If your resolution feels like punishment, you’re not going to stick to it. That’s just facts. The key is to make it fun—or at least tolerable.
- Boring Resolution: “I’ll work out three times a week.”
- Better Resolution: “I’ll try a new workout every week.” Yoga one day, pilates the next, maybe even bust out a dance routine in your room. (Bonus points for pretending you’re auditioning for Step Up.)
- How Decathlon Helps: From budget-friendly yoga mats to resistance bands, they’ve got the tools to make your workouts fun, not dreadful. Plus, with 10% off, it’s a resolution win before you’ve even started.
Step 9: Community = Accountability
You’re way more likely to stick to a goal if other people are involved. It’s science. Humans are social creatures—we thrive on connection, even if that connection is a group chat full of memes and peer pressure.
Ways to Get Others Involved:
- Work Out with Friends: Share your goals, hit the gym together, or just text each other motivational memes.
- Make It a Competition: Who can do the most steps this week? Who can stick to their resolution longest? Bragging rights = motivation.
- Join Online Communities: From Reddit threads to Instagram challenges, there are groups for everything. Just make sure it’s positive and not full of people yelling at you to “hustle harder.”
Step 10: Celebrate Small Wins Like They’re Big Deals
The biggest mistake people make? Waiting to celebrate until they hit their big goal. But small wins deserve hype, too. Did you hit your water goal today? Amazing, you hydrated legend. Made it to the gym once this week? Incredible work, future Olympian.
Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and reinforces the idea that progress matters more than perfection.
Small Win Ideas:
- Buy yourself a fancy coffee (with oat milk, obviously).
- Take a victory selfie (post it with a gym tag for extra clout).
- Reward yourself with new gear from Decathlon—because nothing says “I’m crushing it” like upgrading your workout swag.
Final Thoughts: Resolutions Don’t Have to Be Trash
Let’s be real: most New Year’s resolutions are dead by February, buried in a graveyard of good intentions and unrealistic expectations. But that doesn’t have to be your story.
Here’s the truth: resolutions fail when they’re vague, boring, or made for the wrong reasons. But when you set realistic goals, build systems that work, and make it fun (or at least tolerable), you’re setting yourself up for success.
So, Gen Z—put down your iced coffee for a second and actually think about what you want this year. Is it to feel stronger? Save money? Finally stick to a skincare routine? Whatever it is, break it down, make it achievable, and don’t forget to hype yourself up along the way.
And remember: having the right tools helps. Decathlon’s 10% off deal is your budget-friendly cheat code to turning those goals into reality. Whether you’re hitting the gym, starting a new hobby, or just trying not to spend all your money on snacks, they’ve got your back.
This year, resolutions aren’t just another thing to post about—they’re something you can actually stick to. And when February rolls around, you’ll still be crushing it.
Spend. Save. Repeat. With SPC, your goals don’t stand a chance.