Rethinking Resolutions: Embracing Identity-Based Change
Jan 08, 2026
How many times have we declared a new year's resolution, only for it to collect dust by the end of January? Let's face it, we're all guilty of this, including me! Shockingly, only about 9% of people who create a resolution manage to follow through with it. The issue? Often, we set ourselves up for failure by establishing unrealistic goals.
In this episode of Leading with Heart, I explore the world of New Year's Resolutions, unpacking why I no longer believe in them, and advocating instead for a mindset shift towards lasting, sustainable transformations. Together, we'll talk though the challenges of traditional resolutions—unrealistic goals, lack of sustainability, non-commitment to change, all-or-nothing thinking, and the pressures from external sources.
The game-changer here is identity-based change, a concept inspired by James Clear's "Atomic Habits." It's about identifying who we want to be first and aligning our behaviors accordingly, paving the way for sustainable change. We kickstart this process by understanding our 'why' or the motivations for change. Creating an identity statement serves as our north star, not just for personal growth but also for shaping our leadership philosophy.
I share practical suggestions for implementing this approach in the New Year. It's not just about setting goals; it's about identifying who you want to become in the coming year. Emphasizing continuous improvement and lifelong growth, we'll focus on small, consistent steps aligned with our identity rather than falling into the trap of temporary resolutions.
Join my upcoming "Atomic Habits" Book Club and Atomic Habits Bootcamp in 2024, offering a supportive community to apply these principles!
RESOURCES:
Download the app!
https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/lead-your-life-app
https://leadyourlife.passion.io/checkout/e22ff9a1-506c-4c95-ad22-2a548f1d4dcc
SHOW NOTES: https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode87
Atomic Habits - James Clear
North Start Meditation & Craft a Personalized Identity Statement Worksheet: https://fabulous-pioneer-9504.ck.page/de6f72ebb6
Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen)
www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com (https://www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com/)
More about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart Podcast
Hey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.
I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.
Deep within you, lies the strength to design a life filled with joy, peace, and profound fulfillment. You don't have to conform to the mold of an overachieving robot to achieve success in the military. You can be authentically you and thrive.
Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast — your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life. Through research-based tools, expert interviews, and invaluable insights, these episodes will revolutionize your life.
Get ready to unlock your potential, uncover resilience, and discover the path to a life that aligns with your values and dreams. Join me as we navigate the challenges of military life together, finding balance, purpose, and well-being along the way.
Are you ready to embrace a life filled with joy, peace, and true success? Then it's time to tune in to the Leading With Heart podcast and embark on this transformative journey.