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Did you know that abandoning resolutions is so common, that the second Friday in January is known as Quitter’s Day? And while exact numbers vary, studies and polls show that the vast majority of us tank our new year’s resolutions by the end of February. Why is this? What happens to deflate our lofty ambitions in these 59 days?

Our resolutions are too vague

We don’t need resolutions that are open to interpretation in the moment. For example, promising ourselves that we’ll “eat better” or “read more” is noble, but not measurable. A more specific resolution such as “I will take the stairs instead of the elevator at work 3 days per week” is very specific, clear, and manageable. Having a more prescriptive resolution can be more motivating also, as there will be no doubt about your success when you achieve it.

We don’t establish, and maintain, accountability

Once we get past the endorphin boost of declaring our resolution, the nitty-gritty grind of following through can make us lose momentum. This is especially true if we try to rely on our own gumption alone. Conversely, an accountability partner can serve as our motivation when we can’t find our own.  Choose someone with whom you can have a mutually honest, encouraging, and tough-love accountability relationship.

We haven’t made a plan

Especially if our resolutions involve a substantial change in habits or routine, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” (thank you, Benjamin Franklin)

If you’re aiming to reach 10,000 steps every day, for example, how will you ensure that it happens? How many walks will it take per day? What about days when you’re busier? Do you have appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather? Will you have access to the treadmill when you need it?

We’re not emotionally invested

If we boil down our resolution to the “why” and identify the impact its success will have, it may be easier to keep. In the example above, why do you want to reach 10,000 steps every day? Beyond the fact that it’s a commonly held goal and you know that moving more has positive health benefits, why this resolution? It may be that your clothes aren’t fitting well due to weight gain, or you want to ensure you’re spry enough to keep up with loved ones, or you’re concerned about your carbon footprint and want to start driving less. Keeping track of the personal “why” to the promise can fuel you to keep it up.