What really keeps New Year Resolutions on Track…

Written By Jacqui Allerton

Every January, many of us set new year resolutions with genuine intention. As a Time Management Coach, I always advocate planning ahead the next year earlier than January. Take time in November to explore your goals for the year ahead and be creative in your exploration. In December, have your goals mapped out, including the steps involved and the deadlines.

However, if you enter January with goals such as wanting to be healthier, more focused or more successful, you can still turn these into actions, with a little preparation.

SMART goals are an excellent starting point. Ensuring your goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound will put you ahead of vague intentions like ‘get fitter’ or ‘be more organised’. However, SMART goals on their own are not going to work without a plan for when and how they will be worked on. A goal can be SMART and still fail if it never makes it into your calendar.

In coaching, I see this pattern regularly:

  • The goal is well defined

  • The desire is strong

  • The time to work on it is never protected

Rather than asking yourself “What do I want to achieve this year?”, a more powerful question is “What am I willing to give time to each week?”

Time management is about making deliberate choices. If a goal matters, it needs a place in your calendar, just like meetings, appointments and commitments to others.

When working with clients I will encourage them to;

  • Decide how much time per week the goal realistically needs

  • Choose specific days and times

  • Treat that time as a non-negotiable

Big goals can feel overwhelming. Weekly actions make them manageable.

Break goals down into small, achievable steps that can be completed within your week. Weekly planning helps to;

  • Reduce procrastination

  • Build momentum

  • Create a sense of progress and achievement

One of the most effective habits for maintaining resolutions is a simple weekly review. A short check-in at the end of the week can make all the difference.

Ask yourself:

  • What did I plan to do this week?

  • What actually happened?

  • What is the most important focus for next week?

Learn and adjust. Don’t aim for perfectionism.

When clients are clear on what they want, when they will work on it, and what success looks like this week, confidence grows. Progress feels achievable.

SMART goals provide direction

Time Management provides momentum

Weekly focus provides sustainability

Here’s to a successful and productive 2026!

Jacqui Allerton
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