Picture this: It’s New Year’s Eve. The ball is dropping, Ryan Seacrest is doing his thing, and you’ve maybe had one too many glasses of bubbly. Amidst the confetti and celebratory chaos, you boldly declare, “This is the year I will fill-in the blank!”
Fast forward six weeks…
Your resolution? A distant memory.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. According to Forbes, a whopping 92% of New Year’s resolutions fizzle out by March.
So, Why Do Most Resolutions Fail?
Drum roll, please…
Answer: Your Thinking.
Yep, it all starts (and ends) with your mindset. Faulty thinking creates a domino effect of feelings and behaviors that sabotage success.
Ever wonder why gyms are packed in January but back to normal by March? Fitness centers literally hire seasonal staff just to handle the wave of well-intentioned, short-lived gym goers. Once the resolutions fade, those extra employees are sent packing.
But don’t worry—this year, you’re breaking the cycle.
The Secret Sauce to Goal Achievement
Step #1: The TFA Formula
The TFA Formula comes from cognitive-behavioral therapy, a game-changer since the 1960s. It’s the not-so-secret key to reaching your goals and living your best life.
Here’s how it works:
Thoughts trigger Feelings.
Feelings trigger Actions.
Therefore, all feelings and behaviors start with thoughts.
Want to change how you feel or act? Change the way you think.
This simple yet powerful concept is the foundation for success, strong relationships, and overall happiness.
Proof That TFA Works:
Both success and failur begin as a thought.
The hypochondriac who believes they’re sick? They start feeling symptoms.
The guy convinced he has bad luck? Everything goes wrong for him.
The athlete who knows they’re unstoppable? They set new records.
The person who believes in their healing? Miraculously, they recover.
As you can see from the chart below, TFA has a way of changing over time. This person has conceded their own failure when their thinking shifts from "I can't wait to lose weight" to "I don't have time to workout".
Step #2: The 3 C’s Formula
The 3 C’s help you take control of your TFA and keep your thinking aligned with your goals.
Catch Undesirable TFA
Slow down and notice negative thoughts, feelings, or actions.
Take deep breaths, get still, and become present.
Ask yourself: What thoughts are driving my feelings and behaviors?
Challenge the Thoughts
Are these thoughts true?
Do they support my goals?
Are they rational, healthy, legal, and productive?
Will they help me 10 minutes from now? 10 days? 10 years?
Change the Thoughts
Swap unproductive thoughts for empowering ones.
Reframe setbacks as learning experiences.
Choose thoughts that fuel action and keep you aligned with your goals.
You're in the Driver's Seat
The best part? You control your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. That means you have the power to crush your goals, and stay aligned with your deepest intentions.
So this year, instead of relying on fleeting motivation, focus on training your mind. Master your TFA, use the 3 C’s, and watch how unstoppable you become.
Because in the end, it’s not about willpower—it’s about thought power.