Why Most People Quit Their Goals (and How to Accomplish Yours)

5 Common Obstacles to Goal Setting

Every year, I dedicate a day to writing out my goals on the 1st of January. It’s a tradition of mine to block out an afternoon to spend with my favourite pens and notebook, pinterest, and my imagination and see where they take me.

This year, I took a slightly more deliberate approach to goal setting. Before setting gel pen to paper I started with a 2024 audit of my finances. Using my trusted spreadsheet I could see at a glance what money was coming into the business, which programmes sold best, which months were up or down, exactly where my money was going, and where I could make changes or savings. Next up, I went back over each weekly review I had written up in my productivity planners - to see exactly what if anything changed over the year. I was pleasantly surprised, and finally ready when the day and hour came to identify what to double down on for 2025.

If you’ve ever struggled with goal setting or given up on your resolutions, you’re not alone. The stats say it all:

• 23% of people quit their goals by the end of the first week of January.

• The second Friday of the month is called “Quitter’s Day.”

• By the end of January, 43% of people have given up entirely.

What makes sticking to goals so hard - assuming you know what your goals are to begin with? Based on my experience (and what I’ve seen with clients), here are five of the biggest obstacles people face—and how to tackle them head-on.

1. Habits

Breaking old habits is hard, and expecting to replace them overnight is setting yourself up for failure. Habits need structure, not just willpower.

Take me, for example. I’ve been a lifelong nail-biter, especially when I’m stressed or overwhelmed. The only thing that’s ever stopped me is painting my nails. But as much as I hate biting them, I hate the fumes in nail salons even more.

This year, I found a new strategy: a ‘green’ nail kit from Manucurist. Now I can paint my nails whenever I need a little extra motivation to quit without worrying about inhaling acetone. It’s all about having a backup plan for when motivation dips.

2. Motivation

Your “why” is everything. Without a clear, personal reason to keep going, it’s easy to quit at the first hurdle.

If your goal is to improve your health, for example, dig deeper. What’s the real outcome you want? More energy? Better sleep? Confidence in your skin? The clearer and more personal your “why,” the stronger your resolve will be.

For me, the reason I want to stop biting my nails now is pretty simple: shame. It’s childish and gross, and I’m ready to let it go for good.

3. Discipline

Some people are naturally disciplined. Me? I’m a Pisces. We’re dreamers, not disciplinarians!

But here’s the truth: discipline isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. It grows when you’re committed to your goal, connected to your “why,” consistent with your habits, and willing to say “no” when needed.

4. Action

Big goals can feel overwhelming if you don’t break them down into smaller, actionable steps. Without action, even the best intentions fizzle out.

Let’s say your goal is to lose 5kg. Instead of focusing on the end result, break it into micro-actions:

• Book that blood test.

• Buy a block of workout sessions.

• Add them to your calendar.

• Plan and order your weekly food shop.

Teeny small, purposeful steps create momentum, and momentum leads to results.

5. Friends

Your friends play a huge role in your success. Are they the kind who cheer you on and hold you accountable? Or are they the ones who tempt you to stray from your plans?

If it’s the latter, consider switching your meet-ups to Tea on Thursdays instead of tequila—at least until you’ve got a handle on your new habits.

The Hard Truth About Goals

Even with the best strategies, nothing’s going to do the work for you. And the reality is, sometimes you’ll put in the effort and still fall short of your goal, and question whether it’s worth the bother?

It really is because working towards your goal(s) is as much about who you become in the process as it is about the outcome. The journey and who you become on the journey matters just as much as the destination.

Ready to Stick to Your Goals?

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to throw in the towel, you’re not alone. This isn’t easy. But with the right tools, a clear “why,” and support, you can make real progress.

I’ve created a workbook and resources to orient you and make goal setting easier. Whether you’re just starting or trying to get back on track, grab the workbook here and give yourself the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.

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