Why Teachers' New Year Resolutions Fail

and How to Change That

The new year rolls around, and with it comes that intoxicating sense of possibility. We teachers often find ourselves brimming with energy, ready to tackle everything from new classroom strategies to professional development goals. It’s a time for bold resolutions, ambitious plans, and a determination to make this year the year. Does this sound familiar at all?

And yet, by mid-January (maybe mid-March, if you're stubborn :)), those grand intentions start to unravel. Life—with its endless demands and surprises—takes over, and we’re left feeling drained and frustrated. After enough years of this, we can even end up feeling like there's no point in setting goals and trying new things! Why does this happen, and more importantly, how can we break the cycle?

Why Resolutions Fail

Overcommitment

Teachers often take on too many goals at once, stretching their time and energy too thin. We can end up feeling like it's impossible to start on one thing because there are ten others that also need to be done. It can feel like we're drowning. (Hello, the real reason for procrastination!)

Unrealistic Goals

It’s easy to underestimate the time and effort required, leading to frustration when results aren’t immediate. You know what I'm talking about: the feeling of 'oh I need to do this one thing before I get to the fun part of my idea? Oh wait, and there are three more steps to set up the first thing? AND I need to install a new program...? Eh, you know what? I'm not sure this is worth it. My students are happy enough with what we're doing now, why muddy the waters?'

Lack of Follow-Through

Without a clear, step-by-step plan, initial motivation fizzles out quickly. As strong and invigorating as we feel when we set out to do something new, change is hard. Old habits are old—they persist—because they work for us. So just setting an intention is rarely enough to make a real change and follow through on the resolution. It takes planning, community support, and lots of self-reflection to make it work.

External Pressures

Classroom challenges, administrative tasks, and unexpected hurdles often derail even the best-laid plans. It's almost like there isn't enough time for it all, really. And in my experience, we teachers are a bit naive and hopeful at times. Even when we make a solid plan with small, manageable steps clearly laid out, we still forget to count in the reality of how much time it truly takes to deal with all the little admin tasks of our everyday life and work experience.

Key Pitfalls for Teachers

Emotional Investment

Teachers are deeply dedicated to their students, which can lead to an intense pressure to always "do better." We want to be perfect for our students. We want to help so much. If we plan to do one new thing, why not add three more because we know our students would love and appreciate them? We get tangled in the details instead of focusing on what would realistically help our students and ourselves the most.

No Reflection

Many jump straight into resolutions without assessing their current workload or capacity. We get an idea, it's time to start! Ready set go! And we do!! For a bit, until we remember what we absolutely need to do for our work, too. Then we feel too tired to pick up on the resolution—we'll do it the next day. And suddenly it's March.

Misaligned Priorities

Goals are sometimes chosen based on external trends or expectations rather than what genuinely fits personal or professional needs. It's called the 'shiny new thing syndrome'. I get caught up in it all the time, never mind end of December-start of January when I'm ready to 'change everything for the better!!' The problem is that often, I lose interest with the speed of light because none of that aligns with my values.

Introducing a New Approach

Simplify

Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on one thing that truly matters to you and your students. Are you hearing me? ONE THING. You can start another new thing next year (or in March, sure) but right now? Sit down, figure out what would make the most sense to start or try and do that. Relentlessly, single-mindedly, doggedly, stubbornly. Just the one thing.

Flexibility

Understand that perfection is not the goal, progress is. It's okay to step sideways. It's okay to miss a day or a step. It's okay to realize you've gone off course—just adjust and keep going. Yes, if something new comes up that supports your one thing goal/resolution. Yes, it's fine to keep your interest up by playing around with your one thing.

Build Systems

Focus on creating habits and routines that make sustainable progress possible over time. In fact, make your resolutions about processes, not end results. For example: instead of resolving to get your students to speak more by the end of the course, resolve to practice using silence as a way to get the students to speak more every lesson. The key is every lesson.

Actionable Tips

Prioritize

Take a moment to identify one area that will have the biggest impact on your teaching or well-being. For example, improving classroom management or carving out time for self-care. The more specific you get, the better.

Break It Down

Divide this focus area into manageable steps. Instead of vague goals, set specific weekly or daily actions. For instance, "dedicate 15 minutes a day to lesson planning." Here, too, be as specific as possible.

Track Progress

Use simple tools to keep yourself accountable. A journal, checklist, or even a sticky note system can make a big difference in maintaining momentum. Dedicate a time after each lesson to note how it went. Dedicate time at the end of each week to review the progress made in the whole week, and make any adjustments to the direction you're going in.

Want a deeper dive into sustainable goal-setting? Join my webinar on 16 January! I’ll share practical tips and strategies to help you stay focused, identify your one thing, and thrive throughout the year. It's completely free, so come join us! :)

Hint at program support: If you're looking for personalized guidance, habit-building strategies, and a supportive community? My group program "LiveWell TeachWell" is here to help. Just click on the link here to read more about it, or send me a message if you want to chat to me about how the program can work for you.

Categories: : Wellbeing, Resolutions, Plans, Change