Why do New Year’s resolutions tend to fail? One expert weighs in

Kristin Reynolds, associate professor and clinical psychologist, explains why motivation fizzles and how realistic goals can protect mental health.

Whether it’s improving your fitness or bettering your financial health, many of us set New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions. However, as time goes on, motivation tends to fizzle.

According to one expert, there are several factors that contribute to this, including the “all or nothing mindset” that causes people to abandon their goals when things don’t go according to plan.

“Really, we want to try to be self-compassionate and stick with that goal even through times of setback or struggle, as we know we’ll all have those times,” said clinical psychologist Kristin Reynolds in an interview with Your Morning Winnipeg on Monday.

For those looking for strategies to stay on track with their resolutions, Reynolds said it’s important to work towards something that is of value to you.

“That goal or resolution should really be ours,” she said. “Not set by someone else or perhaps coming from guilt or other challenging emotions.”

Reynolds added it’s best to set goals that are specific, measurable, realistic and fit into the fabric of your life.

Reynolds noted it also helps to share your goals with those you love and get some help to stay on track for long-term success.

“[A goal] that you can make it work on a day-to-day basis at a specific time,” she said. “That consistency is key.”

• With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé