Why Do Resolutions and Goals fail.

New year and new you nonsense. Have you ever wondered why New Year’s resolutions, goals and promises we make to ourselves don’t always work? Why don’t we do what we say we are going to do?

Firstly I want you to know that it’s not your fault.

In fact, it’s part of human nature, shaped by something called ‘negative bias.’ Let me explain.

Our brains are wired for survival, and in ancient times, this wiring helped us stay alive. The negative bias is the brain’s tendency to focus on what could go wrong or what’s dangerous. It’s the reason we remember negative experiences more vividly than positive ones. This bias kept our ancestors alert to threats in their environment, but today, it also affects how we approach challenges in life—even something as simple as sticking to a new goal. And it isn’t always helpful!

When you set a goal—let’s say, to exercise more or eat healthier—your brain immediately starts to weigh the risks. It might remind you of past failures, or it might create doubts about whether you can actually succeed. This is your brain’s negative bias at work, warning you of possible discomfort or perceived failure before you’ve even started. The result? You may feel resistance, procrastinate, or even self-sabotage, despite knowing this goal is important to you.

But here’s the good news:

Awareness is the first step to change. Once you understand this bias, you can begin to gently reframe your mindset. Instead of seeing your goals as overwhelming or dangerous, you can start breaking them down into small, manageable steps. Your brain is much more likely to embrace small wins than large, intimidating challenges.

Think of each tiny step as a victory. Your brain thrives on positive reinforcement, and by celebrating even small achievements, you can slowly rewire that negative bias to work in your favour. This makes it much easier to stick with your resolutions and goals, because you’re building momentum instead of setting yourself up for disappointment or failure.

So, next time you set a goal, remember:

It’s not that you can’t do it—it’s that your brain is simply trying to protect you. But with patience, small steps, and a little self-compassion, you can overcome this natural bias and stay on track toward achieving your resolutions and goals. Being your own cheerleader, using motivational and positive affirmations to help you keep on track will also help you.

I hope this helps you understand the forces working within your mind. If you need support in overcoming these challenges, hypnotherapy can be a great tool for shifting your mindset and creating lasting change. Remember—every small step counts. You’ve got this.

Hypnosis is one of the most effective ways to overcome negative bias and change your mindset. It can help to create new good habits to replace old, outdated and unwanted habits so that you can reach all of your goals.

Imagine what your life could be like where you are confident and in control, nothing holds you back from achieving the goals you set yourself. Living life on your terms and enjoying the freedom that brings.

Get in touch to find out more here.

Read more about the negative bias here