As we ring in 2025, many of us feel the pull to set bold resolutions, like shedding bad habits, improving ourselves, and striving for a fresh start. Whether it’s getting fitter, learning new skills, pivoting your career, or another personal ambition, January often begins with excitement and determination. Yet, research shows that enthusiasm fades quickly. In fact, January 19th has earned the nickname Quitters Day because most people have already abandoned their resolutions by then.
Why does this happen year after year? The answer often lies in how we set our goals and the habits supporting them.
Habits Are the Secret to Achieving Goals
James Clear’s bestselling book Atomic Habits offers a paradigm shift for achieving meaningful change. He suggests focusing on identity-based goals, where the emphasis isn’t just on what you want to achieve but on who you want to become. Instead of saying, “I want to read more,” try, “I want to become a reader.” Instead of “I want to get a promotion,” think, “I am a valuable team member who contributes at a higher level.”
Building on this idea, Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit explores the science behind why habits stick and how they shape our daily lives. By understanding and leveraging habit loops (cue, routine, reward), you can turn small, consistent actions into transformative results. Together, Clear and Duhigg’s insights point to a simple truth: Resolutions without habits are like plants without roots - they won’t last.
How to Turn Resolutions into Sustainable Growth
Making 2025 different from years past doesn’t require monumental changes; it requires building habits that align with your goals. Here’s how:
1. Ask Meaningful Questions to Reflect and Refocus
Start by taking stock of the past year. Reflection helps clarify what matters most and sets the foundation for intentional goal setting. Consider these questions:
By reflecting deeply, you’ll identify patterns worth nurturing and habits to leave behind.
2. Avoid Overscheduling
A common mistake is overloading yourself with too many goals, which leads to burnout and frustration. Instead, focus on fewer, high-priority commitments. For every new goal you set, ask yourself: What can I remove from my schedule to make room for this?
Reducing unproductive habits like excessive screen time or doom-scrolling creates space for meaningful pursuits. Remember, sustainable change isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.
3. Build Habits that Support your Goals
Goals are aspirational, but habits make them achievable. Clear’s strategies, like the 1% Rule and habit stacking, can help:
The 1% Rule: Commit to small, consistent improvements. For example, read one page a day if you want to become a reader.
Habit Stacking: Anchor new habits to existing routines. For instance, if you already drink coffee every morning, pair it with a 5-minute journaling session.
Duhigg’s habit loop framework also provides practical guidance. Identify a clear cue (like setting out workout clothes the night before), establish a routine (a 15-minute jog), and reward yourself (a sense of accomplishment). Over time, these habits become automatic and fuel your progress.
Progress Over Perfection
Resolutions aren’t about perfection; they’re about growth. By shifting your focus from quick wins to sustainable habits, 2025 can be the year your goals don’t just survive, but thrive.
At Agilus, we know that growth—whether personal or professional—isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a journey. As Canada’s trusted partner in recruitment and staffing, we’re here to support you in making meaningful progress in your career this year. Let’s make 2025 the year of habits, growth, and success.
We are helping several jobseekers find opportunities within Canada. If finding a new job is one of your goals for 2025, we have hundreds of open positions. We have served our candidate and employer networks, connecting great job seekers with meaningful employment for nearly half a century. Every year we place thousands of job seekers in Technology, Office Professional, Engineering, and Trades/Technical roles. With over 100 recruiting consultants across Canada, we can help you find your next role or identify that new career path with interview tools and resume support. For more information about Agilus, please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or check out our current open roles.