Quitters’ Day
Why So Many Resolutions Fail by National Quitters’ Day
Every year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions.
But by the second Friday in January—known as National Quitters’ Day—research shows that many of those resolutions have already fallen by the wayside.
I get it, because I’ve been there.
Maybe it’s because once the wonderful craziness of the December holidays starts to settle down, I tend to reflect on the year that is ending. Or, maybe it’s the blank-slate feeling of the New Year that always makes me excited about fresh starts and new beginnings.
And my I-can-see-all-the-possibilities ADHD optimism kicks in.
For years, I’d start January full of hope, convinced that this time, I’d finally get it together. I’d make big promises to myself—stick to a new routine, stop procrastinating, accomplish my goals—and I’d hit the ground running.
But without fail, something would happen. Life would get busy. My optimism and motivation would start to falter. The wheels would start to wobble. And before I knew it, I’d given up—again.
You know, the truth is…
I wasn’t just quitting on my resolutions; I was quitting on myself.
And it was painful.
Each time I fell short, it chipped away at my confidence. I started to doubt my ability to follow through. I’d think, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just do what I set out to do?”
The worst part was the nagging feeling that I wasn’t living up to my potential.
Deep down, I knew I was capable of more, but I couldn’t seem to get out of my own way.
Sound familiar?
When We Quit on Our Goals, We Quit on Ourselves
For so many of the people I work with, that feeling of unmet potential is the most painful part of falling short.
It’s not just about missing a goal or breaking a resolution. It’s about not showing up as the person they know they can be in the way they intend.
The truth is, when we quit on our goals, it’s not the resolution we’re giving up on—it’s our belief in ourselves. And that loss of belief is devastating, and it keeps us stuck. Right where we are.
Year after year after year after year..
But here’s the good news: It’s not about you.
Why Resolutions Fail
Most resolutions fail because they rely on willpower and unrealistic expectations. They don’t account for the way your brain works, the demands of your life, or the systems and support you need to succeed.
For years, I thought I just needed to try harder. What I really needed was a better way to manage my time, energy, and focus—one that worked with my strengths, tendencies, and my actual, very real life.
When I finally figured that out, everything changed.
I stopped fighting against myself and started building systems and strategies that worked for me. I regained control of my time, trusted myself to follow through, and began showing up as the person I always knew I could be.
And that’s exactly what I help my clients do.
You Don’t Have to Stay Stuck
If you’re tired of the pain of falling short—of feeling like you’re not living up to your potential—I want you to know that change is possible.
You can stop spinning your wheels. You can show up as the person you intend to be. And you can create the freedom and fulfillment you’ve been longing for.
But it doesn’t happen with willpower alone. Real, sustainable change requires systems, tools, and support that work with who you are.
This year, let’s ditch the resolutions that leave us feeling like failures. Instead, let’s commit to building the systems and strategies that help us thrive.
Let’s stop quitting on ourselves.
You really can be successful in whatever way matters to you. And you can do it without sacrificing your life, your relationships and your self.
I believe in you!
Until next time…
Take care,
I have full faith in you, and I’m here to make it easier if you’re ready! 👇
Lynne Edris, ACG
Productivity & ADHD Coach
PS: If you’re ready to get to the bottom of what’s been getting in your way, once and for all, check out my complimentary Productivity Breakthrough Quiz at https://productivitybreakthroughquiz.com/ . You’ll get your personalized productivity profile and recommendations to help you take control and show up like you intend, more easily and more consistently!
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