Ep. 009 – Why All Resolutions Are Bullsh*t (and How to Make One You’ll Keep)

In this episode, Jake discusses why ALL New Year’s resolutions are total bullsh*t and how to make a goal you’ll keep.

Struggling with setting goals that actually come true? I’ve been there. For years, I set goals that felt like they were stuck in some distant future. Then something changed. Suddenly, I started achieving my goals faster than ever before. It wasn’t about the goals themselves—it was how I set them.

The breakthrough? Understanding the difference between outcome goals and identity goals. This shift can completely change how you approach success, and I’m sharing it with you today.

Why Outcome Goals Fall Short

Most people focus on outcome goals. These are the big results you want: losing 10 pounds, making $10,000, and finding a relationship. While these goals sound great, they’re inherently flawed.

The Problem With Outcome Goals

Outcome goals feel distant, like something “future you” will achieve. This disconnect makes it harder to stay motivated and take consistent action. Think about it—how many New Year’s resolutions fail because they’re focused on outcomes rather than daily habits?

Here’s an example: if your goal is to lose 10 pounds, that’s a great starting point, but it doesn’t connect to your day-to-day decisions. You need something more immediate to guide your actions.

The Power of Identity Goals

Instead of focusing on what you want to achieve, focus on who you need to become to achieve it. This is the foundation of identity goals.

What Are Identity Goals?

An identity goal shifts the focus from the result to the person you want to be. For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose 10 pounds,” you say, “I’m the type of person who easily loses weight.” This small shift has a huge impact. It brings your goal into the present, influencing every decision you make.

Here’s how it works: imagine you’re about to grab a candy bar. Instead of relying on willpower, ask yourself, “Am I the type of person who eats candy bars?” If you’ve embraced the identity of someone who makes healthy choices, the answer is clear.

Making Identity Goals Work in Real Life

Shifting to identity goals doesn’t just change how you think—it changes how you act. Here’s how to make it real.

Small Choices Add Up

Every decision becomes an opportunity to align with your identity. Let’s say your goal is to lose weight. If you identify as someone who easily loses weight, you’ll naturally make better choices, like opting for a salad instead of fast food. It’s not about throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks—it’s about acting like the person you want to be, choice by choice.

Speak Your Identity Into Existence

Your words have power. Look in the mirror and say, “I am the type of person who loses weight.” Or, “I don’t drink.” This simple act reinforces your identity and makes it easier to stick to your goals. Avoid phrases like “I’m trying” or “I want to,” as these imply you’re not there yet. Instead, affirm that you already are the person you want to be.

The Long-Term Impact of Identity Goals

Identity goals aren’t just about quick wins—they create sustainable habits that last.

Habits That Align With Your Identity

James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, explains that small, consistent actions lead to big changes. When you embrace an identity goal, you start recognizing the habits that support it. For example, if you’re someone who doesn’t eat junk food, you’ll think twice before grabbing a cookie. These small, daily choices add up to massive results over time.

Focus on the Process, Not the Score

A great analogy comes from football: if a team focuses on blocking, passing, and defense, the score takes care of itself. The same is true for your goals. When you focus on becoming the person who achieves the goal, the results follow naturally.

Be the Person You Want to Be

You don’t need to wait for tomorrow or next week to start. Decide right now who you are and act accordingly. Speak it out loud. Live it in the moment. The results will come faster than you expect because you’re no longer chasing your goals—you’re living them.

For more insights and strategies, check out the full episode of the USA Medical Podcast.

If this resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit from a new approach to achieving their goals. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple shift in mindset to change everything.