Australians hoping to turn New Year’s resolutions into real, lasting change need to choose the right goals, plan for setbacks and build habits that fit into daily life, according to nonprofit educational organisation Toastmasters.
With research showing most New Year’s resolutions fail before the end of January, Toastmasters has compiled practical steps to help people set goals that are achievable and sustainable.
Toastmasters’ steps to help turn New Year’s resolutions into real change:
- Choose the right resolutions.
It is easy to dream big, but focusing on what is holding you back can be just as valuable. Instead of asking, ‘What do I want?’, try asking, ‘What am I always putting off that would really make my life better?’ - Less is more.
A long list of resolutions can be overwhelming. Instead, set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) to avoid feeling swamped or overly hopeful. - Get your goals organised
Goals need systems to succeed. Write them down, display them and focus on habits that support progress. Shifting from ‘lose 10 kilos’ to ‘train three times a week, no exceptions’ removes room for compromise and keeps attention on daily action. - Plan for bad days, not great days
Motivation fades, workloads increase and energy drops. Systems must work on tough days too. Lowering the minimum standard can help maintain momentum. On hard days, even five minutes of effort can be enough. - Don’t trick your brain
Sharing goals can help with accountability, but talking about goals alone can falsely satisfy the brain. Progress comes from action, not discussion. - Attach new habits to existing ones
Rather than overhauling your routine, link new habits to what you already do. For example, ‘I’ll read after brushing my teeth’ or ‘I’ll go to the gym after work’. This allows habits to support each other instead of competing for attention.
“If I had one word of motivation or advice, it would be to keep your goals attainable while still challenging, like scheduling in runs after work for fitness, or improving your public speaking skills through Toastmasters,” says Shubi Chatterjee, Toastmasters District 69 Club Growth Director.
Toastmasters is a nonprofit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a global network of clubs. In Queensland alone, hundreds of clubs operate under District 69, offering a supportive environment to build communication and confidence.
“We have seen many locals boost their confidence and social skills after just a few months, and even mastery after a year or so, with members like Colin Williams from Brisbane showcasing this when he competed at the World Championship of Public Speaking in the USA in 2024,” adds Chatterjee.
“With the start of the new year, we have a chance to break the mould and try new things, challenge ourselves, and work to gain new skills.”
To find a local Toastmasters club, visit www.toastmasters.org/find
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