It’s the end of January, just a month into the year, and here’s a familiar reality: studies show that most people abandon their resolutions by the second week of January. If that’s you, this isn’t a failure moment. It’s an invitation. An opportunity to reset, continue, or even start again with intention.
Staying committed isn’t about more willpower. It’s about leading yourself with intention and setting yourself up for success.
This is where the CORE framework can help.
Start with Clarify.
Ask yourself: Does this goal align with my values? Where does it fit in my priorities? How does it move me toward the person I want to be? Then take it a step further. How can you use your strengths to support what you’re trying to achieve?
Next, Operationalize.
What specific habits are helping you or quietly getting in the way? For example, if I want to exercise in the morning but stay up too late, I’m setting myself up to fail. Small choices matter. This is where habit stacking can help, like laying out workout clothes as part of your nighttime routine.
Then, Reflect.
How might you be getting in your own way? Is it self-talk or a limiting belief telling you this isn’t realistic or that you’re just not good at this? Notice that inner dialogue and gently challenge it.
Finally, Evaluate.
Are you making progress? What small adjustments would help you stay on track? Revisit your goals regularly, not to judge yourself, but to learn.
When you lead with intention, your goals stop being New Year’s resolutions. They become commitments to who you are becoming, well beyond January.
If you led yourself with more intention this week, what would you do differently?
