Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail — and How OLIP Therapy Can Help You Succeed

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions of people make promises to themselves: lose weight, exercise more, cut down on drinking, or finally beat stress. But by February, most of those resolutions are already forgotten.

Research shows that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February, and only about 9% of people actually stick with them long term (Forbes, 2023).

So why do so many resolutions fail and what can you do differently this year to make lasting changes? At OLIP Therapy in Fareham, we help people create sustainable lifestyle changes through counselling, hypnotherapy, and coaching. With the right support, your New Year’s goals don’t have to fizzle out.

Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Fail

Unrealistic Goals

Resolutions are often too big, vague, or unrealistic - “I’ll never eat sugar again” or “I’ll go to the gym every day.” These are rarely sustainable.

Lack of Support

Trying to change habits alone can feel isolating. Without accountability or guidance, motivation quickly fades.

All-or-Nothing Thinking

One slip-up (missing a workout, eating dessert) can lead to giving up entirely. Resolutions fail because people see progress in black-and-white terms.

Emotional Triggers

Many habits, like overeating or drinking, are tied to stress or emotions. Unless you address the underlying causes, willpower alone won’t work.

Why Support Leads to Success

Counselling for Motivation and Clarity

A counsellor helps you explore why change matters to you, making your goals more meaningful and achievable.

Hypnotherapy for Habit Change

Hypnotherapy can reframe your mindset around food, exercise, smoking, drinking, or other habits, helping you stay on track with less resistance.

CBT for Resilience

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to challenge unhelpful thoughts that sabotage progress.

Accountability and Encouragement

Having professional support means you’re not alone. Regular sessions provide encouragement, track progress, and help you adapt when life gets in the way.

Data: Why Support Works Better Than Willpower Alone

• A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that people who set specific, supported goals were 10 times more likely to succeed than those who tried alone.

• Research from the American Society of Training and Development shows that having accountability increases the chance of success to 65% — and up to 95% with regular meetings.

• NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines in the UK emphasise structured support for behaviour change, including counselling and coaching, as the most effective way to achieve long-term results.

Make This the Year You Create Lasting Change

At OLIP Therapy in Fareham, we help clients across Hampshire and around the world with our online therapy platform set achievable, sustainable goals and overcome the blocks that have held them back in the past. Whether your resolution is to:

• Lose weight and build a healthier lifestyle

• Manage stress and improve wellbeing

• Overcome anxiety or low self-esteem

• Build better relationships

• Break free from unhelpful habits

…we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t let this year’s resolutions become another broken promise. With professional support, change is possible - and sustainable.

👉 Book your free initial consultation today at OLIP Therapy in Fareham and start the New Year with the right tools, mindset, and support to succeed.