For many of us, the new year brings new commitments for personal or professional growth — New Year’s resolutions, as they’re commonly known. However, I think these resolutions would be more aptly referred to as New Year’s Maybes, New Year’s Doubtfuls or New Year’s Probably Nots. As Robert Burns wrote, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Even when we’re sure this year will be the year we accomplish everything we set out to, life can often get in the way.
This is not to heap shame on anyone; I, too, have set out with the best of intentions entering a new year only to see myself fall short of achieving these goals. We are not alone! Studies show that only 8-9% of individuals successfully stick to their goals the entire year. Those select few truly have resolve. For the rest of us, the outcomes aren’t so positive. Twenty-five percent of people give up or quit within the first week. By the second Friday of January, often referred to as Quitter’s Day, over 85% have either failed or admit to being on the verge of doing so.
I admit that talking about extraordinarily high rates of failure and losing enthusiasm around your goals doesn’t seem particularly inspiring. So why bring it up? That’s an excellent question. Stay with me while I explain.
First, we shouldn’t shy away from the concept of failure. After all, we can learn so much from our failures. Henry Ford said, “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” Albert Einstein similarly stated that, “Failure is success in progress.” Whenever you fall short of your goal, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this failure?” Be honest, listen and then apply that learning as you move forward. This concept is also often referred to as failing forward.
