Why New Year Resolutions Often Fail
PodcastDX
By the end of the first week of the new year, nearly 77% of New Year’s resolutions have already failed (Norcross, 1988). That’s discouraging—but it doesn’t mean you should stop trying. It means most of us are setting resolutions in ways that don’t work. You aren’t weak or lazy. More often, the problem is a misaligned system—one that relies too heavily on willpower and short-lived motivation. Motivation naturally fades over time, even when our intentions are good. Think about how often you enthusiastically agree to plans weeks in advance, only to feel tired or unmotivated when...
info_outline
The Lymphatic System
PodcastDX
The lymphatic system, or lymphoid system, is one of the components of the circulatory system, and it serves a critical role in both immune function and surplus extracellular fluid drainage. Components of the lymphatic system include lymph, lymphatic vessels and plexuses, lymph nodes, lymphatic cells, and a variety of lymphoid organs. The pattern and form of lymphatic channels are more variable and complex but generally parallel those of the peripheral vascular system. The lymphatic system partly functions to convey lymphatic fluid, or lymph, through a network of lymphatic channels,...
info_outline
Pancreatic Cancer
PodcastDX
This week we are talking about Pancreatic cancer. This is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the pancreas. The pancreas lies behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help manage blood sugar. The most common type of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This type begins in the cells that line the ducts that carry digestive enzymes out of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer rarely is found at its early stages when the chance of curing it is greatest. This is because it often doesn't cause symptoms until...
info_outline
Diabetes Type 1 & 2
PodcastDX
This week we discuss diabetes mellitus, a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel. The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems. Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational...
info_outline
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome MCAS
PodcastDX
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is when you have unexplained episodes of severe symptoms like swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, flushing and itching. Unlike that happen with a specific exposure, MCAS episodes happen without a clear trigger. In some cases, mast cell activation can cause , a severe allergic condition that can be life-threatening. It can cause you to have trouble breathing and drop your to dangerously low levels. Call 911 (or your local emergency service number) or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re experiencing severe anaphylaxis. are a type of immune cell...
info_outline
Lung Cancer
PodcastDX
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. It’s caused by harmful cells in your lungs growing unchecked. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and targeted drugs. Screening is recommended if you’re at high risk. Advances in treatments have caused a significant decline in lung cancer deaths in recent years. Lung cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division in your . Your cells divide and make more copies of themselves as a part of their normal function. But sometimes, they get changes (mutations) that cause them to keep making...
info_outline
Home Eye Safety
PodcastDX
Did you know that about half of all eye injuries happen right at home? Home activities that can injure your eyes include: Cleaning. Chemicals like bleach in household cleaning products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year. Home Improvement. Screws, nails and hand tools can launch into the air—and into your eyes. Power tools can also send wood chips or other substances flying into the air. Yard Work. Lawn mowers, trimmers and even shovels can throw dirt and debris into the air. Branches, twigs and thorns can also be dangerous. Unfortunately, only about three out of 10 people wear...
info_outline
Change the Outcome with Nutrition & Exercise
PodcastDX
This week we discuss changing the outcome of your health with nutrition & exercise. Our guest today is Dr. James Thompson, the author of Fearless Wellness and a passionate advocate for transformational change. He completed medical training 35 years ago and has dedicated my career to empowering others to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. He experienced a life-changing event in 2012 and participated in a 2 with my church community. Though the three-week diet, equivalent to a whole food plant-based diet, was intended to emphasize prayer, the impact of the food intrigued...
info_outline
Dangers of Impaired Driving
PodcastDX
This week we discuss the dangers of impaired driving. Impaired driving poses significant dangers, leading to thousands of fatalities and injuries each year due to reduced coordination, judgment, and reaction times. Definition and Causes Statistics Effects of Impairment Preventive Measures Conclusion Impaired driving is a serious public safety issue that leads to numerous preventable deaths and injuries each year. By understanding the dangers and implementing effective preventive measures, we can work towards reducing the incidence of impaired driving and...
info_outline
Falls Prevention
PodcastDX
Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, falls don't have to be inevitable as you age. You can reduce your chance of falling or help a loved one prevent falls. There are proven ways to reduce and prevent falls, even for older adults. We identify older adults as anyone 65 years and older. Physical changes and health conditions — and sometimes the medications used to treat those conditions — make falls more likely as you age. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Still, fear of falling doesn't...
info_outlineBy the end of the first week of the new year, nearly 77% of New Year’s resolutions have already failed (Norcross, 1988). That’s discouraging—but it doesn’t mean you should stop trying.
It means most of us are setting resolutions in ways that don’t work.
You aren’t weak or lazy. More often, the problem is a misaligned system—one that relies too heavily on willpower and short-lived motivation. Motivation naturally fades over time, even when our intentions are good.
Think about how often you enthusiastically agree to plans weeks in advance, only to feel tired or unmotivated when the day arrives. Or how many times you’ve started a project—cleaning a room, taking a course, planning a trip—only to watch your early excitement slowly disappear. We’re excellent at strong intentions; follow-through is harder.
The good news? Not all resolutions fail. That same research found that 19% of resolutions are still maintained two years later (Norcross, 1988). We just don’t spend enough time learning from what does work.
Three DON’Ts
1. Don’t make life-changing, all-or-nothing resolutions
Resolutions that try to overhaul everything at once are overwhelming and fragile.
Examples:
-
“New year, new me—I’ll reinvent my career, relationships, and lifestyle.”
-
“I’ll work out every single day this year.”
-
“I’ll triple my income or eliminate all my debt.”
Why this fails:
One setback can feel like total failure, making it easy to quit entirely.
2. Don’t set shame-driven goals
Goals rooted in self-criticism, embarrassment, or self-loathing undermine motivation.
Examples:
-
“I need to get my life together.”
-
“I have to lose weight so I don’t look bad.”
-
“This year I’ll stop being lazy.”
Why this fails:
Shame erodes self-belief and increases anxiety, making lasting change harder—not easier.
3. Don’t set vague resolutions
Unclear goals are difficult to act on.
Examples:
-
“I want to be healthier.”
-
“I’ll work on myself.”
-
“I need better boundaries.”
Why this fails:
Without clear actions or markers of success, procrastination takes over and goals fade.
Three DOs
Meaning
Choose one small, consistent practice that reflects what truly matters to you.
Examples:
-
“Every Sunday evening, I’ll spend an hour writing, painting, or making music.”
-
“Once a week, I’ll take a phone-free walk to reflect.”
Purpose
Connect your resolution to generativity—contributing beyond yourself (Erikson, 1950).
Examples:
-
“I’ll volunteer or mentor through an organization like SCORE or Rotary.”
Connection
Create simple, recurring rituals with others.
Example:
-
“I’ll schedule a weekly call, walk, or shared meal and treat it as a real commitment.”
Traditional New Year’s resolutions don’t fail because people lack discipline. They fail because they’re poorly designed—too big, too vague, or rooted in shame.
When resolutions focus on “fixing what’s wrong,” they often lead to self-criticism once early motivation fades. In contrast, resolutions grounded in meaning, purpose, and connection are more sustainable.
If you’re among the 77% whose resolution didn’t stick, don’t fall into the shame trap. A broken resolution isn’t failure—it’s feedback. Reset your expectations, adjust your strategy, and start again with something manageable.
Move away from punishment and toward practices that bring joy, meaning, and connection. That shift alone can make the difference between another abandoned resolution and one that truly lasts.
May your year be filled with meaning, purpose, and connections that sustain you.