New year resolutions are often set with the best of intentions, but unfortunately, they often end up failing. There are many reasons why this happens, and one of the main ones is a lack of proper planning and project management.

In project management, we set goals in the bigger picture, but then we break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces called work breakdown structures (WBS). These smaller pieces are then turned into deliverables and milestones, which allow us to track our progress and ensure that we are meeting our goals on schedule.

However, when it comes to new year resolutions, many people fail to adopt this same approach. They set grandiose goals for themselves, but then fail to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Without a clear plan of action, it becomes easy to get overwhelmed and lose sight of the end goal.

Another reason why new year resolutions fail is a lack of accountability. In project management, we have project managers, team members, and stakeholders who are all working towards a common goal. They are all accountable for their actions and are responsible for meeting deadlines and completing tasks.

However, when it comes to new year resolutions, we often lack this same level of accountability. We may have friends and family members who are supportive of our goals, but they are not necessarily responsible for ensuring that we follow through on them. This lack of accountability can make it easier to let our resolutions fall by the wayside.

Finally, another reason why new year resolutions fail is a lack of motivation. In project management, we often have external motivators such as deadlines, budgets, and stakeholders to keep us motivated. However, when it comes to new year resolutions, we often rely solely on our own motivation to drive us forward. This can be difficult to maintain, especially if we encounter setbacks or obstacles along the way.

In conclusion, new year resolutions often fail because of a lack of proper planning, accountability, and motivation. By adopting the principles of project management, we can set ourselves up for success and make our resolutions a reality.