Adam Galinsky, a Columbia Business School professor and author of the upcoming book *Inspire*, shares key insights on sticking to New Year's resolutions. He discusses the importance of aligning goals with personal core values, enhancing motivation. Galinsky emphasizes embracing small changes and reflects on the psychological benefits of self-reflection. Inspiring callers share personal stories, including a remarkable 20-year commitment to the Polar Bear Plunge, illustrating how stepping outside comfort zones can lead to meaningful transformation.
Implementing specific planning through implementation intentions significantly enhances motivation and success in achieving New Year's resolutions.
Establishing SMART goals helps individuals articulate clear, actionable objectives, fostering better focus and commitment towards their resolutions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Implementation Intentions
Making New Year's resolutions can significantly improve the likelihood of achieving personal goals through the use of implementation intentions. These intentions involve planning specific steps to reach a goal, creating a commitment that enhances motivation and action. For example, dedicating a specific time each day for exercise can turn it into a ritual, making it easier to stick to. This concept highlights that not only stating goals is crucial, but also having a concrete plan in place to achieve them.
Setting SMART Goals for Clarity
Establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals is essential for effectively pursuing resolutions. Goals should be clearly defined, such as committing to work out three times a week, rather than vaguely aiming to 'lose weight.' This specificity helps individuals understand exactly what they'll achieve and keeps them focused. Research has shown that reflecting on personal core values can further enhance motivation and drive when setting these kinds of specific goals.
The Power of Reflection and Consistency
Reflecting on past achievements can foster a sense of pride and reinforce positive behaviors that lead to goal attainment. This process is important for maintaining motivation and can be integrated into daily routines, as seen with individuals who commit to regular activities like weekly workouts. By consciously acknowledging successes, such as overcoming challenges or maintaining habits, people can build confidence and momentum towards their goals. Additionally, integrating goals into daily life allows for a sustainable approach, prioritizing consistency over drastic changes.
New year's resolutions are notoriously hard to keep. Adam Galinsky, Columbia Business School professor and author of the forthcoming book, Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others (Harper Business, 2025), shares tips for staying inspired and reaching goals in 2025.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode