Ditch New Year’s Resolutions. Embark on Adventures Instead.
- Christopher McCormick
- Dec 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Every January, millions of us vow to change our lives, yet by February, many have forgotten why they even started. What if, instead of tying ourselves to resolutions, we liberated our potential through adventures? Let’s dig into why so many goals crash and burn—and how we can do better.
Why Do Goals Fail?
It’s not just about willpower or motivation; many people fall short because they lack community and accountability. Think about it: the most successful gym-goers often have workout buddies or accountability partners. They’re not just lifting weights; they’re lifting each other up. Without that support, it’s easy to falter.
When faced with the daunting task of change—be it weight loss, career shifts, or personal growth—many people find themselves isolated. The journey feels overwhelming, and without someone to share the struggle, it’s easy to throw in the towel.
Can Crisis be a Catalyst for Change?
Let’s consider how crises can drive transformation. Doctors might tell you, “Lose weight or you’re risking your life.” That’s a wake-up call that jolts many into action. Just look back at the COVID-19 pandemic: we scrambled for solutions, accelerating drug approvals and adapting to new realities at breakneck speed. In moments of crisis, we often discover our resilience and drive to change.
Yet, this urgency can also expose the flaws in our systems. Marketing bombards us with conflicting messages: one moment, you’re watching a commercial for delicious ice cream, and the next, it’s an ad for the latest weight-loss miracle pill or shot. It’s a dizzying dance that leaves us feeling torn—do we indulge or do we strive for our goals? And where can we take the short-cut? We want it to be easy and effective. Can those both be possible at the same time? That’s a polarity to manage that often seems unmanageable.
Is the System Set Up for Success?
Many fail at their goals because the systems around them don’t support success. Weight loss programs tout quick fixes, but they often overlook the essential elements of creating partnership and shared accountability. The allure of a magic pill can be tempting, but real change requires more than just a prescription; it demands commitment and support from others.
What If We Rethink Resolutions?
Instead of resolutions, let’s craft experiments, creative projects, and intentions. Adventures spark joy and spontaneity; resolutions feel like chains, holding us back from exploring new possibilities. Resolutions feel like a trap you know you aren’t getting out of without some serious consequences; adventures are wings, inviting us to explore and soar.
Do We Have an Immunity to Change?
Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey’s work, The Immunity to Change (2009), reveals the often-hidden forces that block our progress. Key components include:
- Improvement Goals: What we genuinely desire in our lives.
- Obstructive Behaviors: Those sneaky habits that sabotage our intentions without us even realizing it.
- Hidden Competing Commitments: Unconscious motivations that cling to the status quo like a stubborn ex.
- Big Assumptions: Deeply held beliefs that prop up these competing commitments, forming a shaky structure. Do you want to go out on a limb knowing it can’t hold your weight?
By identifying these assumptions, we can embark on safe experiments to challenge them, breaking free from the cycles that hold us back.
What Doesn’t Kill You…
This framework flips the script on toxic social patterns, turning drama into empowerment. It transforms traditional roles into powerful versions:
- Creator: Instead of feeling like a victim, a Creator embraces their power to choose how they respond to any situation. They focus on vision rather than problems—think of them as architects of their lives.
- Challenger: Unlike a Persecutor who blames, a Challenger is the “truth-teller,” inspiring growth while holding high standards without judgment.
- Coach: Instead of enabling dependency like a Rescuer, a Coach uses curiosity and inquiry to help others find their own solutions, treating them as capable and creative.
Key Concepts for the Shift:
- From Reaction to Response: Ditch the knee-jerk reactions and choose responses based on your vision and passion.
- FISBE Model: Focus stands for Focus, Inner State, and Behavior. Shift from “what I don’t want” to “what I do want,” and watch your emotional state and actions transform.
- Dynamic Tension: This is the healthy gap between your current reality and your envisioned goal. Creators use this tension to take manageable “baby steps” toward their desired results.
- Conscious Choice: Remember, you always hold the power to choose your attitude, no matter what life throws at you.
What the Hell Do I Know?
Fifteen years ago, I found myself at a health crossroads, tipping the scales at 292 pounds. You could round it up to 300 pounds, but do we need more negativity right now? In fact, deduct 5 pounds for shoes… so 287? I seriously get my flawed thinking. But it just sounds better? Reality check! My doctor and I knew drastic action was needed. I was scared, frustrated, and fed up—both literally and figuratively.
We took bold, even risky steps to GSD (Get Sh*t Done). I embarked on a 500-600 calorie diet to shock my metabolism. It was an uphill battle, retraining my mindset around food, but I was determined. I also enlisted a group of people around me to assist me on my journey. I created structures to support me in this endeavor- daily texts, weekly social posts, bi-weekly calls with committed listeners, etc. I was not alone on this journey. It required me to enlist people to support me in many ways. Within six months, I’d shed 70 pounds and reignited my passion for exercise. A year later, I was down to 175 pounds—and I’ve stayed between 170 and 195 ever since, always taking the time to check in with the lessons from that journey. Honestly, as I write this, I know it’s time to recalibrate as I’m currently hitting 198 without deducting 5 pounds for shoes.
How Do You Want to Reflect on Your Journey This New Year?
- What experiments can you embark on this year?
- What toxic habits can you kick to the curb?
- How will you redefine your approach to personal growth?
- What adventures are calling your name?
This New Year, let’s ditch the resolutions and embrace adventures that spark growth, creativity, and empowerment.
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
— Marcel Proust
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