2023 is behind us and 2024 is here. What are your New Year's resolutions for the coming year?

Around 37% of Americans made a resolution for 2023, and 87% said they were optimistic about keeping it. However, other research shows that 23% of people ditch their resolutions after one week, 43% by the end of January—and only 9% of resolutionaries cross the finish line.

Wow—these numbers are not good. What keeps so many people from keeping their resolutions?

For some people, it’s a lack of accountability. One study showed that participants with a specific accountability partner—with whom they discussed progress—brought their chance of success to 95%.

For others, the goal is too big. They’d be more successful if they broke it down into smaller digestible chunks. “Never eat more than you can lift,” Miss Piggy says.

This last point speaks to the need for a roadmap or guidance. Someone to help you create an action plan, let you know what obstacles you might face, and how to overcome them.

Sometimes finding that guidance is as easy as finding someone who has successfully reached the same goal. But is finding such a mentor easy? It might be—if you’re satisfied with reading about their experience.

Let’s look at some books that could help you keep your New Year’s resolutions. But first—what type of resolutions do people typically make?

Year in, year out, resolutions tend to stay the same. 48% of people want to exercise more, 44% want to eat healthier, and 41% want to lose weight. 34% want to spend more time with loved ones, 24% want to budget better, 21% want to spend less time on social media, 21% want to be less stressed, and 20% want to quit smoking. 

As you can see, most of these resolutions have to do with improving physical or health. Other resolutions include traveling more, meditating, or learning a new skill.

Resolved to Get More Organized?

Is your resolution about having a cleaner, more organized space? Marie Kondo’s The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up may be for you. Kondo presents a method for decluttering based on Japanese principles. She will guide you through the process of discovering what items truly bring you joy—and tossing the rest. The end result is a cleaner, more organized space—at home or in the office—for life.

Resolved to Become Nicer?

Looking to improve your interpersonal relationships this year? Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradbury might get you there. This Wall Street Journal bestseller has sold 2 million copies and been endorsed by the Dalai Lama and 7 Habits author Steven Covey. You’ll learn a simple, step-by-step process for improving your self awareness and relationship management.

Resolved to Stop (insert your bad habit)?

Hoping to kick a bad habit in 2024? The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg will walk you through scientific studies that explain how habits are formed and how they can be changed. From corporate boardrooms to the NFL to civil rights marches from the 1960s, Duhigg shows us that the key to successfully actualizing big goals is found in the little things we do every day.

Resolved to be Healthier?

Resolved to make 2024 the year you start living healthier? Check out what Dr. Peter Attia has to say in Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. Conventional medicine often intervenes too late when it comes to heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Dr. Attia will encourage you to take action now, with exercise, sleep, and nutritional habits geared toward longevity.

Resolved to be Happier?

Desirous of boosting your mental health and mood this year? Why not start with identifying your life purpose through the ancient art of Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. What you love, what you’re good at, what you can get paid to do, and what the world needs can all overlap, contrary to modern thinking. Maybe 2024 will be the year you see things through the lens of Ikigai.

What Are Your Professional Goals?

Speaking of changes in 2024, what are your plans for work? Are you staying at the same company, or looking for something new? Are you a manager looking to build a new team, or expand your current roster?

I have close to four decades of experience as a software sales recruiter. I’d love to hear from you and your thoughts about this coming year. Email me at mike@michaelblair.com and let’s connect.