There has long been a tradition of setting annual intentions on the first day of the year. What started some 4000 years ago as vows to the gods to repay debts have evolved into the self-improvement “resolutions” of today.
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We have the best of intentions, confidently stating our resolutions, creating vision boards, and drafting elaborate plans. This is the year we’ll fix whatever it is we think is holding us back, be that in the realm of health, career, or relationships.
Since 2019, however, the second Friday in January (today) has been dubbed Quitter’s Day, after the Strava fitness app observed a significant dip in engagement and motivation around this time.
Fortunately, we don’t have to succumb to this lack of motivation. Instead, it can be used as a time of reflection and readjustment.
Reflection
This is a fantastic time to reflect on the goals you’ve chosen for yourself. Are they reasonably achievable? Will they move you in the direction you want to go in life? Do they stay true to who you are?
If the answer to any of these questions isn’t a resounding yes, readjusting the goal so that it is will improve motivation.
Readjustment
Knowing when and how to pivot or adjust your goals is an exceptionally beneficial life skill, and now is a fantastic time to practice that skill. How to pivot or adjust will be determined by what you learned during reflection.
Goals that are not reasonably achievable can be broken into smaller, more achievable tasks, adjusted to a more achievable goal, perhaps with your original goal as a stretch goal, or the scope of the goal can be tightened. Projects and goals that aren’t true to yourself or that are moving you in the wrong direction may require a larger pivot to become truly beneficial.
Additional Motivation Boosters
Accountability
Having an individual or group that you are accountable to, besides yourself, can be extremely helpful. Meetups, friends with similar goals, and targeted groups like Cotivation at Cohere Coworking are all great accountability options.
Rewarding Yourself
A year can be an exceptionally long time to wait for that motivation boosting hit of dopamine. Breaking the goal down into smaller tasks and rewarding yourself after each one will help keep the motivation flowing.
Keeping Track
Keeping track of your progress somewhere where you can reference it later will help you to see what you have accomplished thus far, and will motivate you to accomplish more.
Looking for a little friendly accountability? Book a tour at cohere coworking today.
So don’t let Quitters Day 2026 get you down. Don’t give up on your goals. Reflect, readjust, and rally!
Learn more about coworking communities from our past articles on International Coworking Day, How to Belong, and Coworking Trends.
Penny Leigh Sebring is a Cohere member, experienced freelance writer, publisher, neophyte speculative fiction author, and gatherer of information and imaginary friends.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash