By Jeff Whitaker
You had to know it would only be a matter of time before I ask you this question: How are you doing with those New Year’s resolutions? You’ve probably heard it takes 21 days to form a habit. Whether there is scientific proof to back that up isn’t important. Who knows for sure? It’s probably different for all of us.
Here are some more meaningless statistics. Jan. 12, just a few days ago, is designated as Quitter’s Day, the day when most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. So, who decided on that day? I was doing some additional research and found that someone else named Jan. 17, five days after Quitter’s Day, as Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day. You guessed it; that’s supposedly the day people abandon their resolutions. Here is my point: Someone has made up these arbitrary dates. The truth is that each one of us is responsible for each day.
It’s never too late to hit the restart button. Just because someone says this day or that day is the time that most people quit, it doesn’t mean it has to apply to you. Let me encourage you to stick to whatever you have aspired to this year. If you have given up already, hit the reset and go for it again.
As a new year dawns, enthusiasm is often contagious. However, the pressure to perform on an invisible timeline can often lead to frustration and burnout. Luckily, the secret to success isn’t about speed. It’s about staying on your own path. It’s all about consistency. Consistency compounds over time.
The problem with New Year’s resolutions many times lies in external comparisons. Social media showcases people crushing it by February, leading us to wonder if we’re behind. A friend might boast about running their first marathon while you’re still struggling to lace up your sneakers. These comparisons can feel like a yardstick of failure. Here’s the truth: Their timeline isn’t yours, and it doesn’t have to be.
Think about the goals you’ve set. They’re yours for a reason — whether it’s to improve your health, deepen relationships or learn a new skill. Your journey will naturally reflect your unique circumstances, strengths, and challenges. The timeline is just a distraction. Focus instead on consistent, sustainable progress.
Each day offers new opportunities. One of the best ways I know to set a strong course toward success is to intentionally take steps that will cause you to grow. Fill your life with people and ideas that lead you in a positive direction.
Another trap is the idea that success must happen in a straight line. Life doesn’t work that way. You’ll encounter setbacks, detours, and moments of doubt. The key is to realign, get back on track and not abandon your goals.
There’s pressure to finish your resolutions by Dec. 31, which is another arbitrary rule. Who made that rule? Growth is not confined to a calendar year. Some goals take years to achieve, and that’s OK. What matters most is staying committed to the process – not rushing to the finish line.
As I reminded us all in my column last week, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
So this year, resolve to focus on your journey. Be patient, persistent, intentional and consistent. The finish line will still be there when you’re ready to cross it — on your timeline, not anyone else’s.
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
