Think Days: How to Replace Failed New Year’s Resolutions With Lasting Change
New Year’s resolutions often fizzle out by mid-January or early February. By February, most of them are forgotten. But what if there was a better way to create real, lasting change in your life?
In this post, I want to introduce you to the concept of a Think Day—the antidote to failed resolutions.
Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail
From my experience, there are three main reasons resolutions usually don’t stick:
They’re over-ambitious and vague.
Resolutions like “get healthier” or “make more money” rarely have specifics or a clear action plan. Without a roadmap, success is almost impossible.They’re often externally driven.
Many resolutions focus on what society tells us we should do, not what aligns with our values. That’s why you see the same resolutions year after year—get healthier, make more money, go to the gym. They’re common, but they might not reflect the life you actually want.They rely solely on willpower.
Without systems and habits in place, motivation fades quickly. As Atomic Habits reminds us: “You don’t rise to the level of your goals—you fall to the level of your systems.” Clear routines and consistent habits are what actually lead to meaningful results.
What Is a Think Day?
A Think Day is a dedicated day to slow down, reflect, and plan intentionally. It’s your space to ask yourself the big questions:
What truly matters most to me?
What kind of life do I want to create?
What steps will move me toward that life?
Think Days involve journaling, reflecting on values and priorities, and breaking big goals into actionable, manageable steps.
Why Think Days Work
Think Days are powerful because they help you:
1. Gain Clarity
You let go of societal “shoulds” and focus on what truly matters to you.
2. Create a Roadmap
Instead of relying on vague resolutions, you break goals into small, consistent actions that lead to meaningful change.
3. Stay Adaptable
Life is unpredictable. With Think Days, you can check in regularly, adjust plans as needed, and remain flexible.
How I Use Think Days
I take a Think Day every three months, though you can adjust to whatever schedule fits your life. For me, planning for the entire year at once doesn’t work—life changes from season to season. Think Days give me the flexibility to revisit and adjust goals as needed.
Here’s how they help me:
Reflect on what’s working and what isn’t in life and business
Refocus my energy on what truly matters
Set achievable, meaningful goals
Get Started With Your Own Think Day
Want to get started with your own Think Day? Check out this other blog where I walk you through how to set one up step by step.
Reflection Prompt:
What’s one area of your life that could benefit from a Think Day? How might slowing down and intentionally planning help you create meaningful change?
Watch the full video version of this blog here: How to Actually Achieve Your Goals (Without Resolutions)