At the end of a calendar year, many of us turn towards establishing goals and resolutions for the first few weeks of the year. Approximately 38% of adults in the United States set resolutions, however only 9% actually keep those resolutions going forward. Fully 23% quit within the first week, and 64% abandon their resolutions by the end of January.
If you’re looking at a fresh new planner hoping to make the most of 2025, there is one key towards making this year count: motivation.
Motivation is a part of who you are
Motivation isn’t something fleeting. It’s not something you’re waiting for inspiration to find momentum. When you understand how you’re motivated, when you can lean into your Motivational Dimensions, motivation becomes a key that unlocks a new way of being.
Knowing how you’re motivated can also be freeing. When you let go of the initiatives that feel like a slog and lean into areas where you light up, motivation becomes a key factor for success.
Successful resolutions for your Motivational Dimension
If you’re looking to make the most of 2025, lean into how you’re intrinsically motivated. You’ll find that your goals are easier to achieve.
Achiever
- Set ambitious personal goals. Define a specific personal accomplishment you want to achieve, such as running a marathon, learning a new language, or completing a challenging project at work.
- Track progress. Implement a monthly review system to assess progress towards your goals and make necessary adjustments.
- Celebrate milestones. Commit to celebrating each achievement, no matter how small, to recognize your hard work and motivate continued growth.
Driver
- Take on leadership roles. Volunteer to lead at least two new projects this year, positioning yourself to navigate challenges and inspire others towards goal attainment.
- Set clear, measurable objectives. Break down projects into smaller, measurable outcomes to maintain focus and motivation while driving towards larger goals.
- Empower others. Mentor a colleague or team member, sharing strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving success, thereby enhancing your leadership impact.
Influencer
- Attend and host networking events. Organize gatherings (virtual or in-person) to connect people in your network, encouraging collaboration and support among attendees.
- Engage in community service. Participate in or lead community service projects that inspire and motivate others to contribute and make an impact.
- Share your ideas. Start a blog or podcast focused on topics you’re passionate about, aiming to influence and inspire a wider audience with your insights and experiences.
Learner
- Enroll in a course. Commit to enrolling in at least two new online courses related to your interests or career development to deepen knowledge and skills.
- Read regularly. Set a goal to read at least one book per month that challenges your thinking or introduces new topics.
- Share your knowledge. Create a monthly discussion group with friends or colleagues to share insights from your studies and learn from each other’s experiences.
Optimizer
- Improve processes. Conduct an analysis of current workflows in your work or personal life and identify three areas for improvement to enhance efficiency.
- Implement productivity tools. Try out new tools or techniques that can help streamline tasks and responsibilities for yourself and others.
- Get feedback. Establish a bi-weekly check-in with colleagues to discuss processes that can be optimized, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Orchestrator
- Lead team projects. Choose to coordinate at least three team initiatives this year, ensuring that roles are clearly defined, and collaboration is promoted throughout the process.
- Develop strategic plans. Create a comprehensive plan for your team’s yearly objectives, incorporating input from all members to align goals with collective strengths.
- Foster team building. Organize cross-functional team-building activities to strengthen relationships among team members and improve collaboration.
Relator
- Schedule check-ins. Make it a priority to have one-on-one check-ins with friends or team members at least monthly to deepen connections and foster a supportive environment.
- Volunteer for team initiatives. Engage meaningfully in team projects by offering to take on roles that emphasize collaboration and relational dynamics.
- Cultivate new relationships. Commit to reaching out to at least one new person each month, expanding your network and creating opportunities for new connections.
Visionary
- Set aside creative time. Dedicate a few hours each week to brainstorm new ideas, allowing creative thinking space without interruptions focused on your passions or professional goals.
- Start an innovative project. Identify one major project or initiative that embodies your vision for innovation and work on developing it throughout the year.
- Brainstorm and mastermind. Share your ideas with trusted peers or mentors quarterly to gather insights and refine your vision further, ensuring it resonates with others.
Apply your motivations with strategies that work
With the right strategies and mindset, creating resolutions unique to your motivations make achievement more certain.
Set specific goals
Within your resolution, be clear and measurable. Ensure that your goals are realistic based on your current commitments, resources, and capabilities. Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and discouragement.
Break goals into smaller milestones
Create actionable steps that are manageable, and celebrate your small wins for completing these smaller milestones. This can help maintain motivation and a sense of achievement. Start with the end goal in mind and work backwards to where you are.
Establish a routine
Develop a regular routine that includes time for working towards your resolutions. Consistency is key to forming new habits. Set alarms, calendar alerts, or sticky notes in visible places as reminders of your goals and daily tasks. Set a weekly check-in for yourself to ensure your goal is remembered and that smaller milestones are a part of your daily life.
Stay accountable
Tell friends or family about your resolutions. They can offer support and hold you accountable. Consider partnering with someone who has similar goals, or work with a coach that can help you stay on task to reach your annual goal.
Monitor your progress
Document your journey and note your successes, struggles, and feelings throughout the process in a journal. This can help you identify patterns and stay motivated. Set aside time weekly or monthly to review your progress.
Be flexible and adapt
Life changes and circumstances may arise that necessitate you to modify your resolutions. Be open to re-evaluating and adjusting your goals as necessary. If you stumble, don’t be too hard on yourself. Reflect on what happened, learn from it, and get back on track without losing sight of your overall aim.
Focus on the positive and celebrate achievement
Spend time imagining how achieving your resolution will improve your life. Positive visualization can increase motivation and commitment. Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the progress you’ve made and what you have achieved.
Seek inspiration
Read books, listen to podcasts, or join groups that align with your goals. Surround yourself with motivating influences that resonate with your aspirations. Look at how others have successfully achieved similar goals. Don’t compare yourself; instead remember that if they can achieve a similar goal, you can do it, too.
Resolutions that matter start with motivation
Many people, knowing that resolutions are rarely kept, don’t even start the year thinking about what they’d like to achieve. If starting at the beginning of the year isn’t working for you, then when will you start? The best time was last year, but there is no better time than now to live more on purpose.
If you’re looking for motivation to knock out an annual resolution, Motivation Code can help. Find out your Motivational Dimensions, and create goals that will light you up. Your intrinsic motivation is the key to achievement of the goals that matter most.
