December—the time to reflect, celebrate wins, and plan for the next year. It’s the season to take stock of the resolutions we have achieved and plan for the next batch of goals to work on. Lose weight? Check. Save some ka money? Absolutely.
While many of us start the year with grand resolutions, “buy land,” “get healthy,” and “get out of the rent trap.” By the next December however, we’re left wondering: where did it all go wrong? Life happens, but let’s face it—some of it is on us. So, here’s why resolutions fail and, most importantly, how to fix them.”
(1). Your Goals Are Too Vague, Too Big, and Too General.
“Be healthier.” “Get rich.” “Be happy.” These sound inspiring, but let’s be honest—they’re like trying to navigate Kampala without knowing where Mega supermarket is. They are too general.
The trick is to make your goals specific and targeted. Make them measurable so that you can see the progress. Instead of “be healthier,” try “I am going to exercise for 30 minutes three times a week.” that way, you can track your progress and know when you are on the right track. Check out Home workouts for a perfect body, no gym required
(2). You’re Chasing Someone Else’s Dream
We are human, we all want the best for ourselves. In a group of friends, one person gets a bigger TV screen, and suddenly everyone wants an upgrade. If everyone’s buying land, you find yourself scrambling for a plot—even if your bank account and goals are screaming otherwise.
Aim for goals specific to you. We all live in different circumstances. Set goals that align with you and your priorities personally, not society’s. Forget the noise, and focus on what truly excites and benefits you
(3). You Overestimate Your Time and Resources
“I am going to get a part-time job and supplement my income.” “I am going to save 20k daily”
Sure, a side hustle sounds amazing, but can you realistically balance it with your full-time job, family commitments, and personal downtime? Yes. Saving big looks great on paper with how much you can save up real-quick. But have you factored in your actual income, expenses, and savings potential?
Audit your schedule and resources before committing. Set realistic targets that fit your lifestyle. If saving 20k a day is impossible, start with 5k. It’s better to build sustainable habits than crash and burn.
(4). You Forget to Track Progress
Out of sight, out of mind. If you don’t track your resolutions, how do you know if you’re crushing them—or slacking? Track your progress, mark on a calendar every day you manage to hit that exercising resolution, every time you save up that ka 5k, it’s encouraging when you see progress.
(5). You Go All In, Then Burn Out
January 1st: You hit the gym for two hours, eat only salads, and delete every streaming app and social media from your phone. By January 10th? You’re hiding from your trainer and pushing all goals to tomorrow… work without play makes me a dull boy kind of story.
The fact is, some of our resolutions are too new to us. Someone who has never saved before will find it hard to drop a substantial portion of their salary into savings. Someone who has never gone to the gym or tried serious exercises will definitely find it hard to just hit that consistency right off.
The trick? Start small and build momentum gradually. If you’re new to saving, start with small amounts before scaling up. If you’ve never worked out, don’t aim for two-hour gym sessions. Slow and steady wins the race—and keeps the resolutions.
(6). You’re Too Hard on Yourself
Missed a workout? Overspent your savings? It’s tempting to throw in the towel and say, “I’ve failed.” But progress isn’t linear. Hardships happen—an oversight here, a setback there. Remember, you’re adopting something new, so be flexible.
Be kind to yourself. Embrace setbacks as part of the journey. Slip-ups don’t define failure. They’re opportunities to learn. Adapt, forgive yourself, and keep going.
(7). You Lack Accountability
If no one knows your goals, it’s easier to abandon them. After all, who’s watching?
While it’s true that ranting about your prospects and goals can invite negativity and backlash, having an accountability partner—a friend, coach, or even a journal—can help keep you on track. A simple “How’s the gym going?” from a friend can be enough to remind you to stay focused.
(8). You Don’t Celebrate Small Wins
We’re often so focused on the big goal that we forget to appreciate the milestones along the way.
Reward yourself for small victories. Finished a week of workouts? Treat yourself to a cheat meal. Saved for a month straight? Enjoy a small indulgence. Celebrating progress keeps the motivation alive.
New Year’s resolutions don’t fail because we’re lazy—they fail because we’re human. A lot happens; we lose motivation, something comes up, and so on. However, with better planning, self-awareness, and a little determination, we can turn those resolutions into reality.
So, as you step into the New Year, remember: It’s not about being perfect. It’s about progress. Smashing those 2025 goals!
