By Anne Praino, Account Manager
January is here — the month when gyms overflow, planners fly off the shelves and everyone swears this is the year they’ll finally become a morning person. Spoiler alert: most of us won’t. But here’s the good news — it’s not because you’re lazy or lack motivation. It’s because lasting change isn’t built on grand gestures; it’s built on small, consistent actions that fit into real life. Science shows that habits form through a simple loop: cue, routine and reward. Understanding this cycle can completely change how you approach growth. Instead of relying on sheer willpower, the real secret is starting small and staying steady.
Studies show that nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Why? Most people set overly ambitious goals without a clear plan. Motivation alone isn’t enough — our brains need structure and simplicity. Leadership expert Justin Hale explains, “The problem is people rarely identify the exact behaviors needed to make a goal habitual. Success is less about willpower and more about having the right plan.” So, start by choosing one or two priorities, the biggest gaps between where you are and where you want to be. Break them into manageable steps and anchor them to existing routines. When habits feel effortless and rewarding, they’re far more likely to stick. (Moniuszko, 2024)
If you want to create habits that actually stick, start by using proven strategies like habit stacking (pairing a new habit with one you already do), adding visual cues and tracking your progress. Why? Because our brains are wired for repetition. Habits let us run on autopilot, conserving mental energy for bigger decisions.
Every habit follows a simple loop:
- Cue: A trigger that signals it’s time to act.
- Routine: The behavior itself.
- Reward: The payoff that makes you want to repeat it.
At first, new habits require focus and effort because they engage the brain’s decision-making center — the prefrontal cortex. But with repetition, they shift to the basal ganglia, the brain’s “habit hub,” and become automatic. That’s why breaking a routine feels so hard — it demands more mental energy than sticking with something familiar. The takeaway? Don’t rely on willpower alone. Build habits by creating clear cues, simple routines and satisfying rewards. Over time, these small steps turn into lasting behaviors. (What science says about how to stick with your New Year’s resolutions, 2025)
This month, join us for NFP’s 2026 Reset, Refresh, Repeat Challenge by committing to one simple, tangible habit. Need an idea? Try this quick three-step routine every morning when you arrive at your desk — it’s designed to set the tone for a productive day. First, spend two minutes clearing your workspace. Remove clutter, file papers and toss yesterday’s unfinished coffee. Feeling ambitious? Give your desk a quick wipe-down for a fresh start. Next, write down your top three priorities for the day and place them somewhere visible to keep your focus sharp. Finally, check off each task as you complete it to reinforce the habit and celebrate progress. This small daily practice creates a clean, organized environment that reduces stress and boosts productivity. Stick with it, and by the end of January, you’ll have built a powerful habit that sets the tone for focus and success every single day.
Every big change begins with one small step. By committing to this challenge, you’re proving that consistency is the true driver of success. Each daily desk reset is a simple investment in your well-being and productivity. Stick with it, celebrate your progress and watch how this habit builds confidence and momentum for the year ahead.
Want to take your growth even further? Join us for our NFP-sponsored interactive workshop: “From Goals to Growth: Habits That Stick” on January 13, 2026, at noon. This session will uncover the patterns that are helping – or hindering – your progress and explore strategies to stay motivated all year long. Happy New Year!
