As a typical gym-goer, I am starting to notice fewer people in my everyday routine. At my local Planet Fitness in Davenport, IA, to no surprise, the first week of the year included a longer wait time for all of the machines. As resolutions start to lose their oomph, I fear many are losing track of their 2026 goals. Studies show that only 9% of Americans keep their resolutions throughout the year. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, what traits make certain individuals prone to success over others? How do you stay persistent?
Goal Setting is Important
The health department at Loma Linda University, in California, recommends the S.M.A.R.T goal approach. S.M.A.R.T meaning specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time-bound. As an example, I have a goal to read more. Therefore, my S.M.A.R.T scope would look like:
S- I want to read more books and track my thoughts in a journal
M- At least one book per month
A- This goal is realistic and achievable for my lifestyle
R- I feel more insightful when recording my thoughts while reading
T- By the end of the year, I want my journal to contain 12 book reviews
In this example, I am sure to set a resolution that I care about and that has relevance to my life. Motivation is the most important factor in goal setting, and in the end, a long-awaited celebration of progress will be well deserved.
Traits Commonly Found in Successful People
However, there is greater infrastructure behind a goal than simply being motivated. Educator Richard St. John has conducted 500 face-to-face interviews over the course of ten years. He has been able to identify eight common traits found in successful people. The researcher, who is a self-proclaimed “informational speaker”, opposed to a motivational speaker, claims you don’t have to be a Nobel prize winner to be considered successful. Instead, he emphasizes these eight traits: Passion, Work, Focus, Push, Ideas, Improve, Serve, and Persist.
The interviews, which spanned over multiple careers, proved these eights traits are “at the heart of success.” St. John, who now works primarily as an author and speaker, has won top business and marketing awards, including an IABC Gold Quill, the highest award in business communications. Of course, this is accompanied by a black belt in Judo. St. John was able to achieve accolades for his company, The St. John Group, by doing what he loves, while becoming a millionaire.
Creating Your Vision
This is how to get started.
Begin by creating your own 2026 vision board! Personal curation leads to a deeper understanding of personal goals. This free and interactive activity explores new interests or builds on current ones. Be sure to check out Just N Life’s very own New Year’s Guide to Curating a Vision Board. Here, you will find a guide to platforms such as Pinterest and Canva that can assist with building your creativity.
Let’s find your spark to get your New Year’s resolutions back on track, N Crowd!
What's Your Reaction?
