The #1 reason New Year’s resolutions, goals, and dreams fail is because we lack accountability—the essential condition to insuring a resolution even has a shot at becoming a reality. But the #2 reason our best intentions fail is equally damning. Today, let’s look at this critical truth.

Here it is: Our visions fizzle, flounder, fold and flop because they are foggy! Simply stated, they are too vague. Esoteric resolutions fall short. Nebulous goals run aground. Abstract dreams crash and burn. B.J. Fogg from Stanford University reinforces this truth, saying, “What a mistake – the whole idea around New Year’s resolutions. People aren’t picking specific behaviors, they’re picking abstractions.”

To make resolutions real, tie them to a specific behavior. Science teaches that our brains don’t focus on abstractions well. To achieve a new goal, first make it a new habit—meaning, a new specific behavior. Research shows that 90% of all New Year’s Resolutions come to naught because they are too obscure, ethereal, and dreamy. Let me give some examples:

• Instead of eating healthier (which is a vague resolution), be specific! Such as, begin each day with oatmeal instead of sugared cereal, or exchange a banana for breakfast instead of a pop tart, or pack an apple or protein bar for a snack instead of chips and a candy bar.

• Instead of losing weight (which is a vague resolution), be specific! Such as, begin your morning with a glass of water, walk around the block during your lunch break, and agree to eating no food after 7:00pm.

• Instead of getting in shape (which is a vague resolution), be specific! Such as, meet a friend at the gym for an hour four times a week, or jog on the treadmill for 20 minutes three times a week, or take an exercise class two times a week.

• Instead of managing stress better (which is a vague resolution), be specific! Such as, begin your daily routine with a deep breath and a warm shower, include a 5 minute quiet time of reading the Bible, poetry, or an inspiration book, and have a one-minute moment of prayer.

• Instead of advancing your business (which is a vague resolution), be specific! Such as, read a leadership book, take an online business course, start your own LLC, add a 100 connections on LinkedIn, or (my biased favorite) hire a Success Life Coach.

Turning sincere hopes and well-intentioned ideas into reality demands relational accountability and practical specifics. Resolution success is 50% higher when goals are clear-cut and explicit. So don’t be vague. Fog is great for a romantic walk; it’s terrible for a goal. Write out some specific goals. Post them on your bathroom mirror. Tell a friend. Get accountability. Consider partnering with a coach. And have a great year. Best to you!

P.S. If you’re open, I’d love hearing some of your specific goals for this year. You can connect with me on LinkedIn or email me at dave@drdavewhite.com