#460 Do New Year’s Resolutions Really Work? What Science Reveals for Leaders and Decision Makers | Niels Brabandt

Do New Year’s resolutions genuinely lead to lasting change, or are they merely an annual illusion of progress? In this episode of The Leadership Podcast, Niels Brabandt examines the question through the lens of scientific research and executive leadership practice.

Rather than relying on popular myths or motivational slogans, this episode is grounded in peer reviewed studies from behavioural science and psychology. Niels Brabandt explains why the frequently quoted claim that only nine per cent of people keep their New Year’s resolutions is not supported by scientific evidence. He presents what credible long term research actually shows, including why a significant minority of individuals do achieve sustainable behavioural change.

The episode explores why many resolutions fail and why this failure is not a matter of weak willpower. Vague goals, outcome fixation without method, and excessive dependence on external factors are identified as the primary reasons why resolutions collapse within weeks. These insights are directly relevant to business leaders who face similar challenges in strategy execution and organisational change.

Niels Brabandt also outlines what works. Drawing on both research findings and real world leadership experience, he explains why behaviour based goals outperform intention based goals, why measurability is essential for accountability, and how identity plays a decisive role in long term success. Particular attention is given to the difference between positive goals and avoidance goals, a distinction with significant implications for leadership, performance management, and personal development.

This episode is designed for executives, senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision makers who want to understand how evidence based goal setting can improve both personal effectiveness and organisational outcomes. New Year’s resolutions are reframed not as motivational rituals, but as strategic instruments of self leadership when applied correctly.

The Leadership Podcast with Niels Brabandt delivers rigorous thinking on leadership, self leadership, organisational behaviour, and sustainable performance, combining academic insight with practical relevance for those in responsibility.

Keywords:
Niels Brabandt, New Year’s resolutions, do New Year’s resolutions work, leadership podcast, business leadership, executive leadership, self leadership, goal setting, behavioural change, evidence based leadership, organisational change, management psychology, decision making, leadership development, performance management, business strategy, sustainable change, leadership science, personal effectiveness

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