Every year, New Year’s resolutions are met with hope and determination; yet, most fail by the end of January. This isn’t from a lack of motivation or willpower, but rather from our inner narrative, which accounts for 95 percent of our brain’s activity, sabotaging our conscious efforts to change.

Understanding the Subconscious Mind
The subconscious mind governs our habits, emotions and automatic responses. It’s like an iceberg, where the visible portion—the conscious mind—represents only 5 percent of our mental activity, while the submerged part drives most of our decisions and actions. Unless we address these ingrained patterns, superficial resolutions are unlikely to succeed.

The necessary heart-centered approach to lasting change begins with adopting the mindset of the person we aspire to become. Instead of focusing on statements like, “I’m going to lose weight,” ask, “What would a healthy, vibrant person do? What daily choices would align with that life?” This perspective shift encourages action rooted in possibility rather than limitation.
Start With Noticing

The first step in shifting subconscious patterns is self-awareness. A simple body-awareness exercise can help connect us with the present moment:

1    Close the eyes and notice the sensations in the feet, then move upward through the legs, torso and arms.
2    Focus on the heartbeat, recognizing that it beats without our conscious control.
3    Pay attention to the hands, face and even the tip of the nose, bringing awareness to one’s physical presence.

This practice helps anchor us in the present where we can more easily notice our thoughts and feelings as they arise.

From Awareness to Action
Once awareness is cultivated, identify areas of longing and discontent in one’s life. What do I truly want? Ask this question addressing these four life quadrants:

Health and Well-Being: What does optimal health mean for me? Define whether it’s the energy to play with one’s kids or the stamina for a 10-mile daily run.

Relationships: Am I seeking deeper connections, peace in existing relationships, or a loving intimate partnership?

Vocation: Does my work align with my values and passions? What would I love to do with my free time? What does abundance look like for me?

By clarifying our vision, we move beyond vague goals to something deeply personal and meaningful, empowering ourselves to follow through in creating a life we love.

Imagine stepping into one’s desired life. For example, if the goal is to exercise regularly, think about why this matters. Perhaps the vision is that of skiing, dancing or playing with grandchildren. Then ask: What routines would this version of me follow? How would I prioritize my time? Now, align daily actions with this vision. Start small; set a daily intention to walk for 10 minutes or prepare nourishing meals. Consistency matters more than grand gestures.

The Power of Support
Accountability is essential for meaningful change, as it helps provide clarity that individuals often cannot achieve on their own. Coaching plays a significant role in this process by offering the structure and support needed to reprogram subconscious habits, making transformation more accessible and sustainable. Finding a coach or support group helps with navigating challenges and celebrating progress, ensuring that change feels attainable and rewarding.

Why Resolutions Fail—and How We Can Succeed
Traditional resolutions often fail because they stem from self-criticism rather than self-love. People set goals to “fix” themselves, focusing on perceived inadequacies. This negative mindset undermines our efforts. Instead, shift the attention away from what we want to eliminate and toward what we want to create. For instance, replace “I’ll stop eating junk food,” with “I’ll enjoy nourishing meals that energize me.”

The new year offers a chance to reimagine one’s life—not through fleeting resolutions, but by cultivating awareness, clarifying our desires and aligning our feelings and incremental actions with the person we wish to become. Real change happens incrementally, as life coach and personal development expert Mary Morrissey states, “Every baby step will take you all the way to the top of Mount Everest, if that’s the direction you’re headed.”