Why New Year’s Resolutions Are Bull$#!%
Waiting for January 1st to change your life is holding you back
Let’s be real: New Year’s resolutions are frustrating. Why? Because they’re based on waiting. Waiting until January 1st, waiting for the "right time," waiting for an arbitrary date to decide to change your life. Green Beret Chris Lee, who has been featured on Mindset Lessons from the Field podcast twice in the past, asks a critical question: Why wait?
Chris puts it bluntly: “Tomorrow is a brand-new day. You can choose to be new tomorrow or right now. There’s no point in waiting.”
This mindset is at the heart of our podcast. If you want to be the best version of yourself, why wait six months, one month, or even one week to start?
The Truth About Resolutions
Did you know most people fail at their New Year’s resolutions? Studies suggest around 80% give up by mid-February. Why? Chris believes it boils down to three missing components:
The right WHY
A solid PLAN
A supportive COMMUNITY
Find Your WHY
Before you set a goal, Chris advises asking yourself, "Why do I want this?" Take the example of starting a gym routine:
I want to look good naked. Therefore My spouse would appreciate it. Therefore I can avoid health issues and big doctor bills, therefore I will be 70 and still be able to walk. I have a huge fear of being in old age and not being mobile.
Notice how the WHY gets deeper and more personal as you dig? Chris explains: “The shallower your why, the quicker you’ll quit. Life is meant to be done together, and your why needs to fuel your direction.”
Who Do You Want to Be?
Chris often says, “Before you tell me what you want to achieve, tell me who you want to be.”
Identity drives action. Who do you want to be mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and financially? Start with this question to align your goals with the person you’re striving to become. Chris’s book, Beyond the Battlefield, even includes worksheets to help define this. He also talked about this deeper his second time on the podcast, listen here.
Backward Planning for Success
Resolutions often fail because they lack a clear plan. Backward planning changes this.
Define your desired end state: Maybe it’s “abs by summer” or winning a bodybuilding contest.
Work backward from that goal: Break it into actionable steps.
Use the S.M.A.R.T method:
Specific: Not “get in shape,” but “2% body weight loss, 12% body fat.”
Why? Being specific creates clarity. Vague goals are hard to follow and even harder to measure. Specificity helps you know exactly what you’re working towards.
Measurable: Track progress. Write everything down.
Why? Measurement allows you to see progress, celebrate small wins, and identify areas that need improvement. Without tracking, you won’t know if you’re moving forward or stagnating.
Attainable: Be realistic about what you can achieve.
Why? Setting realistic goals keeps you motivated. Goals that are too far-fetched lead to frustration and burnout.
Relevant: Tie your goal to your why.
Why? A goal that aligns with your core motivation keeps you engaged and determined. It ensures the goal has personal meaning and importance.
Timebound: Set a deadline.
Why? Deadlines create urgency and prevent procrastination. They give you a clear timeline to work within, making the goal feel more achievable.
Without a plan, even the best intentions crumble. Chris’s advice? Know what you’re doing every day to move toward your goal.
The Power of Community
Chris emphasizes the value of a strong inner circle. It should be small and tight. You don’t let just anyone into your inner circle. Chris shares with us how we know who to let into our circle. Ask yourself is this person:
Genuinely happy when I have a success in my life?
Genuinely sad for when I have a setback?
Genuinely Surprised when I am not meeting the standards I set for myself?
Having a small, tight circle can make all the difference. It is hard to do things alone, and your circle can help you stay accountable and keep moving forward.
Never Stop Growing
One of the most powerful lessons from Chris is this: You are never done. Growth doesn’t stop when you hit a goal. It’s a daily practice of striving for excellence while enjoying the ride.
Chris shares an inspiring exercise from Beyond the Battlefield: The Jimmy Fallon Experience. Ask yourself, “How can I be the most interesting guest Jimmy Fallon has ever had?” This question encourages you to chase life’s experiences while finding joy in the moment.
Happy New Year’s...or better yet, Happy Right Now!
Start today. Listen to Chris’s full episode on the podcast and grab his book to dive deeper into these lessons. You can also contact him for personal coaching! Let’s make every day a step toward becoming the best version of ourselves—no waiting required.