Resolution - Rewritten : How to Make Resolution List Stick

It’s that time of the year again—New Year’s resolutions! A fresh start, a clean slate, and an opportunity to dream big. But I am wondering: if we lined up all our past New Year’s resolution lists, what would we notice?

Would it look something like this (see the below picture, whoever made that list is a true linguist). 😂

It made me laugh but also reflect deeply:

Why do we struggle to change?

Is it because the pain of staying the same isn’t strong enough? Or is it because the potential gains of change don’t feel real enough?

We all want to be better—to break bad habits, build good ones, and work toward a more fulfilling, happier life. Yet, many of us find ourselves stuck in the same loop.

So how do we break the cycle and avoid the “graveyard” of abandoned resolutions year after year?

Here are some of my reflections on how to Make resolution list stick to share:

1. Stay True to Self

Change should challenge us to grow, but it shouldn’t strip away the essence of who we are. I remember making many resolutions at the beginning of the year to join the so-called “4:30 club”, imagining myself waking before the world, enjoying the stillness, and being ultra-productive. But the reality? It turned out to be painfully counter-productive for a night owl like me. Waking up that early just isn’t in my rhythm, and my endless snoozing disrupted my partner’s sleep more than anything else.

The best changes are those that align with our core values and sense of self. When a resolution feels forced or disconnected from who we truly are, it’s bound to fail. Instead of chasing someone else’s version of success, focus on goals that enhance your authentic self. Ask ourselves: “does this resolution make me feel more “me”?

2. Start Small, Build Gradually

The grandiose resolutions often fail because they’re overwhelming. How many times have you started a new habit with fiery enthusiasm, only to burn out within days or weeks? I know I’ve done this more times than I can count! SMALL changes, however, are sustainable. Why? Because they integrate naturally into your daily life.

The ancient Chinese wisdom teaches us that “The only lasting change is gradual change.” Like trees, start from seed—it goes with time, never ceases rising yet never rushes to touch the sky. Small wins build momentum and create a domino effect. So, instead of vowing to “exercise for an hour every day,” commit to 5 minutes or a short walk to begin with. Consistency will do the rest.

3. Is My Resolution SMART?

Just like setting any target, it's handy to doublecheck whether our resolutions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. A vague resolution like “get healthier” is hard to follow through on. But something like “eat one serving of vegetables daily for the next three months” gives us a clear path forward.

4. Reward the Change

Our brains are wired to respond to rewards. When we achieve a small milestone, celebrate it! Positive reinforcement strengthens new habits and keeps us motivated. Whether it’s treating ourselves to something you enjoy or simply pausing to acknowledge the progress, rewards matter. They tell our brains, Hey, this new behavior feels good—let’s keep doing it!

5. Be bold and creative holding yourself accountable

How will I hold myself accountable? That’s perhaps the biggest question after all the years of Resolution-"paper"-exercises. Can I share my goals with a friend or family member who can check in on your progress? Shall I track my resolution achievements in a journal or app or simply stick to the refrigerator door that I must face every day? The more we keep our resolutions visible and tangible, the more likely we are to stick with them.

So dear friend, if you are writing your resolutions this year, take a moment to reflect on your journey so far. Are items sound familiar like an echo from years before? What patterns do you see? What small, meaningful shifts can you make this year to create lasting change? Maybe it’s helpful to remember: that the secret of the resolution list is not about the impact. It’s about progress.

Here’s to a New Year filled with growth, resilience, and joy—one small step at a time. 🌟

And below is my 2025 Resolution List. Publishing it here is my first action upon it. May it carry me through 2025 with droplets of progress!