Goals Slipping? Try Doing Less

We’re already a few weeks into January —how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or are slipping back into old habits, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves losing momentum after the initial excitement fades. But here’s the good news: achieving your goals might be easier if you focus on doing less, not more.

The Problem with Overloading Yourself

Research shows that piling on too many goals or tasks can lead to decision fatigue—a mental drain that makes it harder to stick to new habits. When your brain is overloaded with decisions, your willpower weakens, and motivation starts to fade. So, how can you avoid this common trap?

The Power of Simplifying

The solution is simple: do less! Focusing on fewer, more impactful actions can make a world of difference. Ask yourself: What unnecessary steps can I eliminate? Simplifying isn’t about doing less for the sake of it; it’s about being strategic and intentional.

Here are a few ways to make simplicity work for you:

• Focus on One Key Habit: Choose a single daily habit that directly supports your goal. Keep it simple and make it count. Maybe for you, it’s drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning. You could put it by your bed the night before or leave a glass on the counter as a reminder. 
• Cut Out Extra Steps: Instead of cooking from scratch every night, try meal prepping a few days in advance. I regularly double recipes to have leftovers, saving time and energy the next day. 
• Take Small, Consistent Actions: For example, I learned that even one minute of increasing your heart rate can improve your mental focus. So, I broke out a jump rope the other day to use during my writing breaks (and it’s good for preventing osteoporosis). I tried to go for a full minute. Let’s say it was harder than I remember and I didn’t make my goal; but it did get my heart pumping and did the job for my focus. 

Less Resistance, More Progress

Reducing the number of tasks on your plate lessens the resistance to getting started. Remember, doing less doesn’t mean you care less. It means you’re directing your energy toward actions that truly matter and drive progress.

If your New Year’s goals are already feeling out of reach, maybe it’s time to simplify. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how much further you can go.