Why do new year's resolutions fail?

Most people watch their New Year’s resolutions collapse by February and quietly decide they are the problem, not the approach they used. In this episode of Leadership Dissected, Dr. D and Dr. C unpack why traditional resolutions fail, using behavioral science to trace how all-or-nothing thinking, unrealistic timelines, and social comparison drain motivation. They walk through the four factors that drive real behavioral change motivation, social support, self-efficacy, and environment and show how small, consistent actions beat grand January promises. You will hear how to connect goals to a larger purpose, set dynamic milestones, and treat missteps as part of the process instead of proof that you failed.

The conversation then shifts from personal growth to organizational evolution. Dr. D and Dr. C connect New Year’s “resolutions” to annual strategic goals at work, explaining why leaders derail progress when they overload people, ignore capacity, or frame stretch targets as rigid pass/fail tests. You will learn how to set purpose-driven goals, build time and systems around them, and create a culture that celebrates progress over perfection so teams can actually move forward instead of burning out by March.

Explore the psychology behind micromanagement with Dr. C and Dr. D as they dissect why leaders micromanage, the impact on teams, and how organizational culture shapes these behaviors. Hear real examples and practical advice for leaders, employees, and those struggling with their own micromanagement tendencies. Discover strategies for building trust, creating clarity, and moving from control to collaboration in your workplace.

We tackle the critical issue of burnout and how leaders can identify, prevent, and manage it effectively within their teams. We begin by exploring the difference between good stress, which can be motivating, and bad stress, which can lead to burnout. The conversation delves into how stress can sometimes drive individuals to be more diligent and focused, often without realizing they're running low on energy until it’s too late.

We discuss the importance of managing stress not only for yourself but also for your team, emphasizing the need to respect the sanctity of time away from work. The episode also covers practical approaches for leaders who are concerned about an employee's well-being and how to address those concerns thoughtfully and effectively.

Finally, we highlight the importance of having a solid plan in place for stress management, including regular check-ins with your team, being candid about the need for breaks, and ensuring that both you and your team remain energized and engaged. Remember, what’s good for your team is also good for your mission and your customers.

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