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PodcastDXAuthor: PodcastDX
PodcastDX is an interview based weekly series. Guests share experience based medical insight for our global audience. We have found that many people are looking for a platform, a way to share their voice and the story that their health journey has created. Each one is unique since even with the same diagnosis, symptoms and the way each person will react to a diagnosis, is different. Sharing what they have experienced and overcome is a powerful way our guests can teach others with similar ailments. Many of our guests are engaging in self-advocacy while navigating a health condition, many are complex and without a road-map to guide them along their journey they have developed their own. Sharing stories may help others avoid delays in diagnosis or treatment or just give hope to others that are listening. Sharing is empowering and has a healing quality of its own. Our podcast provides tips, hints, and support for common healthcare conditions. Our guests and our listeners are just like you- navigating the complex medical world. We hope to ease some tension we all face when confronted with a new diagnosis. We encourage anyone wanting to share their story with our listeners to email us at info@PodcastDX.com Language: en Genres: Alternative Health, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Why New Year Resolutions Often Fail
Episode 1
Sunday, 28 December, 2025
By the end of the first week of the new year, nearly 77% of New Year's resolutions have already failed (Norcross, 1988). That's discouraging—but it doesn't mean you should stop trying. It means most of us are setting resolutions in ways that don't work. You aren't weak or lazy. More often, the problem is a misaligned system—one that relies too heavily on willpower and short-lived motivation. Motivation naturally fades over time, even when our intentions are good. Think about how often you enthusiastically agree to plans weeks in advance, only to feel tired or unmotivated when the day arrives. Or how many times you've started a project—cleaning a room, taking a course, planning a trip—only to watch your early excitement slowly disappear. We're excellent at strong intentions; follow-through is harder. The good news? Not all resolutions fail. That same research found that 19% of resolutions are still maintained two years later (Norcross, 1988). We just don't spend enough time learning from what does work. Three DON'Ts 1. Don't make life-changing, all-or-nothing resolutions Resolutions that try to overhaul everything at once are overwhelming and fragile. Examples: "New year, new me—I'll reinvent my career, relationships, and lifestyle." "I'll work out every single day this year." "I'll triple my income or eliminate all my debt." Why this fails: One setback can feel like total failure, making it easy to quit entirely. 2. Don't set shame-driven goals Goals rooted in self-criticism, embarrassment, or self-loathing undermine motivation. Examples: "I need to get my life together." "I have to lose weight so I don't look bad." "This year I'll stop being lazy." Why this fails: Shame erodes self-belief and increases anxiety, making lasting change harder—not easier. 3. Don't set vague resolutions Unclear goals are difficult to act on. Examples: "I want to be healthier." "I'll work on myself." "I need better boundaries." Why this fails: Without clear actions or markers of success, procrastination takes over and goals fade. Three DOs Meaning Choose one small, consistent practice that reflects what truly matters to you. Examples: "Every Sunday evening, I'll spend an hour writing, painting, or making music." "Once a week, I'll take a phone-free walk to reflect." Purpose Connect your resolution to generativity—contributing beyond yourself (Erikson, 1950). Examples: "I'll volunteer or mentor through an organization like SCORE or Rotary." Connection Create simple, recurring rituals with others. Example: "I'll schedule a weekly call, walk, or shared meal and treat it as a real commitment." Traditional New Year's resolutions don't fail because people lack discipline. They fail because they're poorly designed—too big, too vague, or rooted in shame. When resolutions focus on "fixing what's wrong," they often lead to self-criticism once early motivation fades. In contrast, resolutions grounded in meaning, purpose, and connection are more sustainable. If you're among the 77% whose resolution didn't stick, don't fall into the shame trap. A broken resolution isn't failure—it's feedback. Reset your expectations, adjust your strategy, and start again with something manageable. Move away from punishment and toward practices that bring joy, meaning, and connection. That shift alone can make the difference between another abandoned resolution and one that truly lasts. May your year be filled with meaning, purpose, and connections that sustain you. (CREDITS: PSYCHOLOGY TODAY)
