Why M is for March (and a Lack of Motivation…) By Kiesha Meikle
We’ve all made a New Year’s resolution. We’ve all broken one too. In fact, 88% of us abandon them by March. So why is staying motivated so hard?
The start of a new year feels like hitting the refresh button on life – a golden opportunity to leave last year’s flops behind and start fresh. That’s why we all dive headfirst into resolutions, even if we aim a little too high…
Fast forward to March, and reality bites: the gym membership is gathering dust, the shiny new treadmill has become a glorified clothes hanger, and that bold “Dry January” pledge? Let’s just say it’s…flexible.
We’re not entirely to blame. Society (translate: social media) constantly pushes us to improve ourselves – our looks, health, careers, wealth – and it’s natural to respond with goals and resolutions. But real change takes time, patience, and consistent motivation, and it’s normal to struggle. Willpower isn’t something we’re born with; it’s something we train. If we don’t exercise this “motivation muscle,” it won’t kick in when we need it most. That chocolate cake in the fridge? A prime example of how easy it is to give in.
Why resolutions fail
The most popular resolutions are predictable: weight loss, eating healthier, exercising more. We feel guilty after the holiday feasts and vow to transform ourselves. But why do we fall off the wagon so quickly? There are a few big reasons:
We aim too high, too fast. Going from zero workouts to daily bootcamps, or cutting out all chocolate at once, is a recipe for burnout.
Life gets in the way. Work, social plans, and everyday stress often push our resolutions to the bottom of the list.
Motivation is fleeting. That January buzz is addictive, but it fades faster than we realise. Without daily habits in place, willpower alone won’t carry us.
We forget we’re human. Slip-ups happen. One skipped gym session or indulgent meal can spiral into giving up completely.
Basically, it’s not that we’re lazy – it’s that our goals are often unrealistic, our routines aren’t built yet, and life has a funny way of reminding us who’s really in charge.
A smarter approach: small, sustainable changes
Cold turkey rarely works. Instead:
- Swap late-night scrolling for 10 minutes of stretching.
- Replace sugary snacks with a piece of fruit – one step at a time.
- Can’t meditate for 20 minutes? Try 2 minutes instead.
- Skip the all-or-nothing mindset – progress beats perfection.
- Swap one processed meal a day for a homemade version.
- Can’t cook every night? Start with three simple meals a week.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator – little wins count.
- Replace one coffee with green tea each day.
- Can’t run 5K? Walk or jog for 10 minutes first.
- Swap negative self-talk for one positive thought daily.
- One cheat meal doesn’t undo your progress – plan, don’t panic.
- Can’t give up sugar completely? Reduce it gradually.
- Replace “I’ll never succeed” with “I’ll try today.”
- Can’t hit the gym daily? Start with ONCE a week.
- Make realistic, achievable goals that you can maintain long-term.
Change is a slow, steady process, not a one-off sprint. By planning ahead and being realistic, you’re far more likely to stick to your resolutions – and keep them beyond March.
New Year, New You: Go easy instead.
