
From the Desk of Hazzem Koudsi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
New Year’s resolutions symbolize a fresh start, offering an opportunity to reflect on personal growth and set goals for the future. However, the key to achieving these resolutions lies not in grand, sweeping changes, but in the gradual transformation of habits. I’m reading a book by James Clear called Atomic Habits, which emphasizes the power of small consistent changes in building habits that last. His insights offer a blueprint for approaching resolutions, effectively, ensuring progress without discouragement from setbacks.
His central thesis is that lasting change arises from improving habits by just one percent each day. While New Year’s resolutions often inspire ambitious goals, they can become overwhelming when the focus is on immediate results. For example, instead of vowing to lose 30 pounds, a more sustainable resolution might be committing to a 10 minute walk each day. James Clear highlights that small actions compound overtime, leading to significant improvements. This approach not only makes goals feel more manageable, but also helps build confidence in the process.
And instead of focusing on outcomes, resolutions should align with the person you aspire to become. For instance, rather than setting a resolution to run a marathon, shift the mindset to “I am becoming a runner.” This subtle change reinforces the habit as part of your identity making it easier to stay consistent. Setbacks are inevitable, and perfection isn’t the goal. Success isn’t about failing, but about bouncing back quickly. Missing one workout or indulging in an unhealthy meal doesn’t erase progress. The important thing is to resume the habit the next day. This perspective reduces the guilt associated with slip ups and keeps momentum intact.
Finally, it’s important to develop systems instead of goals. While goals provide direction, systems determine progress. A resolution like “saving more money “is achieved not through sporadic actions, but by setting up systems, such as automated savings or creating a budget. Systems focus on actions you can control making success feel attainable.
Personal growth is a journey, and setbacks are merely part of the process. Focusing on steady progress and aligning habits with our identity, we can create lasting change.