You’ve probably heard of “Christmas in July” but how about “New Year’s in July”?

I heard an interesting interview on the Canadian Broadcast Company radio. A professor from one of the universities was talking about just that- celebrating New Year’s in July. July 1st is Canada Day and the professor being interviewed suggested that July 1 is a good day to restart any resolutions or goals. His point was that most people have New Year’s resolutions but January 1st puts too much pressure on people. He notes that January 1st is too close to the holidays-one is usually exhausted, there may be financial pressure from overspending, the weather isn’t conducive to being outside and working on any physical goals, and in general, goals started at the beginning of the year usually do not last more than a week or two. Plus, there is an addition of guilt- either feeling one has to have a goal or guilt when stopping the goal.

Anecdotally that is probably true. While there are those individuals who are extremely goal oriented and might succeed in their goals, for the rest of us, not so much.

I’ve been thinking about projects and items I want to accomplish this summer and this year. I have mentioned this before about my lists. Theses lists are ones that I transfer from week to week, month to month and sadly, even year to year.

I’ve been thinking about why I put off some of these items. Especially when I do care about accomplishing them. For if I get a chance to work on even a part of the list, I feel so much better. So why don’t I, as they say in the Nike world, just do it. I have friends and family who are in a similar situation: things that they want to do or accomplish but just cannot seem to get it done.

The goal management people would say: break it down into doable chunks; make it realistic; set a timeline; even give yourself a break occasionally. And I will try that. I’ll even have a “schedule” to implement my small goals.

But then something else comes up and those goals go out the window.

The thing is, I am disciplined. Just like my family and friends are and, I suspect, are you. We accomplish tasks (while they may not be written goals) like regularly fixing meals, caring for our daily personal hygiene, tending to our homes, our families, or showing up to work.

What about you? Are you a disciplined person? Do you have goals for yourself? Have you achieved them? What stands in your way?

According to Forbes online: “Goals are sophisticated procrastination disguised as productivity and progress. You spend time creating the perfect objective, starting the work, then hoping motivation carries you through. It rarely does. According to the University of Scranton, 92% of people fail to achieve their New Year's goals. The better approach is creating systems. Daily actions tied to identity over outcomes.” (Jodie Cook, Why 92% of People Fail to Achieve Their Goals. forbes.com. June 27, 2025)

The Forbes article makes me think of the book, Atomic Habits- tiny habits that build on one another and over time, can make big changes. Yet still, even doing that, I still can’t seem to “just do it” on certain goals.

So I’ve been thinking about the different reasons that thwart my accomplishments specifically. Perhaps these are universal to all? I am wondering if the bottom line to these reasons might be fear?

1) “Savior” complex. I do try to put others’ needs before mine but it seems as if every time I embark on one of my goals- inevitably something- another person’s situation pulls me away. Most often it is a legitimate need that needs addressing. Do I do this because of some deep “savior” complex or reverse pride of appearing to be humble and servant-like? Or am I afraid others won’t like or love me if I do not help with the need?

2) Fear of accomplishment. What would happen if I actually completed those goals? There are a couple of goals that I don’t even begin because I am afraid that I could fail in my attempt to achieve them. But what would happen if I succeeded? Recently I watched the documentary on Netflix about Martin Short. He would say that his career was made up of 98% failure. He just kept going.

3) Letting go. Some goals require letting go. Exchanging what is known for the unknown. What would be the worst scenario of that goal. Worried that which you gave away would one day be needed? But when that time came would you still be the same person who would want the old situation, relationship or item? The thing is, the unknown may be even better than the known.

4) Physical change. Aging? Medical changes? Health improvements? Do I have to adapt to a new “normal”? There is always the chance of being hurt or uncomfortable before a positive occurs.

I found this interesting TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J6jAC6XxAI (A word of caution- In the first couple of minutes of the talk, the speaker mentions his attempt to take his life when he was a young man. That is not the point of the talk, but rather it was a wake-up call for him.)The speaker draws upon lessons from Stoicism. His goal plan is actually a three-page “fear” plan. Starting with the worst case scenario, he helps you figure out that which you can control and that which you can’t.

Page 1: He starts with asking, “What if I ….?” Under three columns you will make a list:

Column 1: What are the worst things that can happen if I take this next step/action or accomplish this goal? List 10-20 items.
Column 2 : What can I do to prevent or decrease this from happening? Next to each item in column 1, write a corresponding prevention or decrease action.
Column 3: If this happens (column 1 item) what repair can I do or whom can I ask for help? List those corresponding things. As he points out, most likely you are not the first person in the world to have whatever situation or item you listed occur. There are others who have experience and possible advice.

Page 2: What benefits will occur if I complete or even attempt this goal of “What if I ….?”

Page 3: (Which I thought was a very interesting exercise) What will this cost me if I do not do this plan? If I stay with the status quo? Think about emotionally, physically, financially, etc.

Write the answer out in terms of staying in the “status quo” mode for 6 months, 12 months, and 3 years. What is the cost?

As I struggle with this, I cannot help but think of the Apostle Paul and his words, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15 NIV). Me too. I hate writing the same goals year after year. It is time for a change in the approach.

I think as I round the midway of 2026, I will write out my “fear” plan. Perhaps I can tackle the real motivation behind what I do and not do. My prayer for you and myself is that we might accomplish the goals and activities for 2026 that are in our hearts and minds. Happy New Year.