Why Most People Quit Their Goals by February (And How to Stay on Track)
By now—mid-February—a lot of people have already yeeted their New Year’s resolutions into the abyss. In fact, research shows that by the end of January, 80% of people have given up on their resolutions entirely .
Why does this happen every year? Let’s be real—it’s not because people don’t want to reach their goals, but rather because of a few common roadblocks that get in the way:
The Most Common Reasons People Quit Their Goals
🔥 Setting unrealistic goals – You didn’t win the lottery and magically wipe out your debt in two weeks, you didn’t drop 20 pounds overnight, and you’re still not running a six-minute mile after one jog around the block.
📋 Lack of a clear plan or strategy – The idea sounded great at 11:59 p.m. on December 31st, but nothing actually made it to paper (or an app, or a sticky note, or literally anywhere).
🚀 Losing motivation after the New Year glow fades – That "New Year, New Me" energy is cute… until February rolls around, and the excitement wears off.
⏳ Not seeing immediate results – Thanks to instant gratification culture, we expect six-pack abs after one solid week of workouts, and when that doesn’t happen, we’re over it.
🍕 Falling back into old habits (hello, Super Bowl Sunday) – Let’s be honest, the Big Game basically wipes out any resolutions. Wings, pizza, chips, and dip? Sign me up!
How to Stop the Cycle and Actually Stick to Your Goals
Here’s the thing—I’m human too, and I’ve fallen into all these traps more times than I can count. But over time, I’ve learned what actually works, and it starts with these steps:
1. Focus on ONE goal at a time
Yep, just one. Pick the goal that matters most and set a realistic timeline.
Weight loss? 1-2 lbs. per week is healthy.
Debt payoff? Decide how much you can realistically set aside each week.
Training for a marathon? You need a long-term plan, but you can start with daily steps to get stronger.
2. Write. It. Down. ✍️
Seriously, WRITE IT DOWN. Studies show that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them (Matthews, 2015). Once it’s on paper (or a whiteboard, or a note on your phone), break it down into bite-sized, manageable steps.
💡 Shameless plug: My book has worksheets that walk you through this exact process—so you have no excuse not to start!
3. Find your ‘WHY’ and make sure it’s YOURS
Ask yourself: Why am I even doing this? And I hope you’re doing it for yourself—not because of someone else’s expectations.
Your goals should be about YOU. And the cool part? When you focus on what truly matters, those positive changes naturally impact the people around you, too.
4. Expect setbacks (they’re part of the process)
Obstacles will happen. Life will life. Progress isn’t always linear. But instead of throwing in the towel, learn to pivot.
Not seeing results? Instead of giving up, try:
✅ Adjusting your plan slightly (without completely abandoning it).
✅ Seeking expert advice—whether that’s a doctor, a nutritionist, a coach, or someone who actually knows what they’re doing. (Google, Pinterest, and TikTok “experts” don’t count. Sorry, not sorry. 😆)
5. Have accountability partners (and tell them how to support you!)
This one’s big. Having someone in your corner increases your chances of success by 65%—and if you schedule regular check-ins, that number jumps to 95%.
But here’s something I just realized: I never actually told my accountability partners how I wanted to be supported. So if you have one (or plan to find one), be clear about what you need. Encouragement? Tough love? A daily text reminder? Make it known.
Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself
This whole goal-setting thing? It’s a journey. Some seasons will be easier than others. Life will get in the way. But you don’t have to quit—just adjust.
If you need a little extra guidance, grab my book Get It Together: Without Losing Your Mind! 📚 It’s packed with practical strategies, goal-setting templates, and real-life advice to help you stay on track—even when motivation fades.
And remember: progress over perfection, always. ❤️
Want more support?
📖 Grab a copy of my book Get It Together (Without Losing Your Mind)—it’s full of stories and strategies to help you reclaim your time, energy, and purpose.
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Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Everything I share is based on my personal experiences and should not be considered professional advice. For personalized guidance, always consult a licensed medical or mental health professional—yes, a real one, not "Dr. Google" or the comment section of social media.
If you're in crisis, please call 911 or contact the 988 Lifeline for immediate support. You're not alone, and real help is available.
