New Year’s resolutions you’ll actually stick to

Every January, we promise ourselves the world: we’ll get fit, read more, learn a new language, and save money. It’s the exact same in business: teams plan to revolutionise their workflows, boost profits overnight, and launch bold new strategies—all by Q1. 

Big plans are exciting, but too often, we’re trying to do too much at once. ​​It’s no wonder that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February.

Starting small, on the other hand, makes change feel manageable and builds the confidence you need to stick with it. This year, why not focus on tiny New Year’s resolutions instead? They’re easy to integrate into your routine and surprisingly impactful. 

Read on for practical tips and strategies that will help you create changes you’ll actually want to keep.

Why small New Year’s resolutions actually work

Don’t beat yourself up for breaking your list of good intentions. Change is hard, and it turns out that our brains are wired to resist it. When faced with big, sweeping changes, our minds interpret them as risky or overwhelming, which triggers our stress response and makes us want to avoid them altogether. 

Small changes don’t set off those alarms. They feel safe, manageable, and easier to tackle, even when life gets busy. And because they’re achievable, they build confidence with every small win, creating the momentum you need to embrace bigger challenges later on.

Get started with the 5 second rule

Sometimes, the hardest part of forming a habit is simply getting started. According to Mel Robbins, it takes just five seconds for your brain to talk you out of doing something. In The 5 Second Rule, she introduces a simple technique to break through hesitation: count backward from five and then take action. This quick mental reset stops overthinking in its tracks and gives you the nudge you need to move forward. 

MOO Tip: Use the 5 second rule to jumpstart something you’ve been putting off. When you catch yourself hesitating to get organised, count from five, pick up your Planner, and jot down your top priorities for the day. Quickly taking action will empower you to feel focused and in control.

Focus on improving by 1%

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear emphasises the power of improving by 1% through small, consistent habits. Over time, these 1% gains add up to big, meaningful changes. This slow-burn approach isn’t about quick fixes but about building habits that are sustainable for the long term.

MOO Tip: Focus on improving one aspect of your routine, like refining how you track your projects or committing to a 5-minute yoga practice. It may feel inconsequential at first, but when you look in six months, you’ll see you’ve made real headway. 

Layer success with habit stacking

Habit stacking is a simple, low-effort way to build new habits. Instead of starting from scratch, you use an existing habit as a trigger for the new one. This method works because it reduces the mental effort of creating a new routine and builds on the foundation of behaviors you’ve already established. 

MOO Tip: Identify a habit you already do regularly, like brewing your morning coffee, and pair it with a new one, like journaling while you wait. It’s an easy way to start your day with focus and creativity.

Tiny New Year’s resolutions for you to try

Tiny resolutions can make a big difference when they’re simple, manageable, and easy to integrate into your daily routine. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. Read one page a day
2. Try a new recipe once a month
3. Use premium Stationery
4. Say no to one unnecessary commitment
5. Schedule a screen-free hour a day
6. Start your day with a glass of water
7. Replace your pen with one you love writing with
8. Take the stairs instead of the elevator 
9. Unsubscribe from one email list each week
10. Add a plant to your office

Ready to make small lasting changes?

Whether you’re refreshing your personal habits or refining how you do business, the right tools can make all the difference. MOO Business Plans can help you and your team stay organised, inspired, and on track. To get started, fill in this simple form and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.