 |
| |
| |
| | |
| Welcome to Our Latest Newsletter!
📚 Read Time: ~14 minutes
The start of a new year holds a unique energy—a universal reset button offering a moment to reflect, renew, and reimagine. There’s a magic in this transition, a chance to leave behind what no longer serves us and step into the future with hope and intention.
New Year’s resolutions embody this optimism. They are promises we make to ourselves, declarations of who we want to become and how we want to grow. Yet, despite their popularity, most resolutions fail. Studies show that 80% of resolutions are abandoned by February (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023).
Why do we struggle to follow through? The answer lies in a missing foundation: purpose.
At Tiger Resilience, we know that purpose is more than just a word. It’s the driving force that gives our goals meaning, sustains us through challenges, and transforms fleeting motivation into long-term commitment. Purpose is what turns resolutions into realities.
As we enter 2025, let’s go beyond setting resolutions. Let’s align them with our deepest values and create purposeful beginnings that lead to lasting transformation.
Let’s get into it! |
| | | |
| | |
| What Are New Year’s Resolutions?
New Year’s resolutions are commitments we make to improve ourselves or our lives. These goals often reflect our aspirations—whether it’s prioritizing health, building stronger relationships, or advancing professionally.
However, while millions of people set resolutions each year, their success rate is alarmingly low. 40% of adults make resolutions annually, but only 9-12% feel successful in achieving them (American Psychological Association, 2023).
Why do Resolutions Fail?
Lack of Clarity: Vague goals like “get fit” or “save money” lack actionable steps.
Unrealistic Expectations: Overambitious resolutions lead to burnout.
No Emotional Anchor: Goals without a deeper “why” lose momentum quickly.
Resolutions succeed when they reflect not just what we want to achieve but also who we want to become. By aligning goals with purpose, we can create lasting change that feels authentic and fulfilling. |
| | | |
| | |
| Michael’s Perspective: The Power of Showing Up
I recently stumbled across a question that made me pause: “What’s the best predictor of your grades in college?” It wasn’t the SAT score, your GPA, or even how many hours you spent studying. It was something much simpler—attendance. Just showing up was the single strongest factor in determining academic performance.
The simplicity of that concept struck me. How often do we overlook the power of just showing up? In a world where we’re told to dream big, hustle harder, and chase perfection, we sometimes forget that the greatest transformations often begin with the smallest, most consistent actions.
This time of year, people are buzzing about resolutions. One of the most common goals is improving health and fitness. As someone who’s dedicated a huge part of my life to this field, I feel deeply connected to the emotions behind those resolutions. There’s hope, vulnerability, and a desire for change that resonates with me, not just as a coach but as a human being. I’ve been there. I know how it feels to want to rewrite your story.
But here’s the thing about resolutions: they’re often framed as grand, life-changing declarations—“I’m going to lose 50 pounds,” “I’m going to run a marathon,” “I’m going to turn my life around.” And while there’s nothing wrong with setting big goals, the truth is that they’re rarely achieved in the way we imagine. I know this because I’ve experienced it firsthand.
In my life, I’ve set resolutions that were bold and ambitious, and year after year, I’ve fallen short of achieving them exactly as I’d envisioned. But what I’ve learned is that the real value of a resolution isn’t in the final result—it’s in the effort, the consistency, and the transformation that happens along the way.
I’ll give you an example. There was a time in my life when I resolved to become a competitive bodybuilder. I wanted to escape the identity of being the skinny runner, the guy who always felt weak and insecure. I had this image in my head of achieving a Mr. Olympia physique, of proving to myself and the world that I could be something entirely different. Did I achieve that? Not even close. But here’s what happened instead: I showed up at the gym every day. I got stronger, both physically and mentally. I built muscle and confidence. And I created a body I was genuinely proud of—not because it looked like the cover of a fitness magazine, but because it reflected effort, resilience, and the ability to overcome my own doubts.
There was another year when I resolved to achieve financial independence. “This will be the year I make it,” I thought. “This will be the year I achieve financial freedom.” Did I get there? No. But I did transition into a better corporate position. I refined my investment strategies. And most importantly, I began laying the groundwork for something even more meaningful: building Tiger Resilience.
Over the years, I’ve come to understand that resolutions are less about reaching a specific endpoint and more about creating momentum. The resolutions I’ve set—whether it was becoming a bodybuilder, achieving financial independence, or even striving for ultimate peace in my relationships—may not have turned out exactly as I’d hoped, but they led me to places I couldn’t have anticipated. They taught me that success doesn’t have to look like the image you have in your head. Growth isn’t always linear, and the journey itself often holds more value than the destination.
This year, a few ideas have been bouncing around in my mind. Maybe I’ll try to achieve an elite running time. Maybe I’ll aim to cultivate deeper tranquility in my relationships. But what I’ve learned is that these goals aren’t about perfection—they’re about showing up. Every single day. Whether it’s in your career, your fitness, your finances, or your relationships, the act of showing up consistently is what creates change.
There’s no magic moment when everything suddenly falls into place. Transformation doesn’t happen in leaps—it happens in the quiet, steady rhythm of daily effort. And as I reflect on my own journey, I realize that the greatest gift we can give ourselves is permission to keep trying. To show up, even when it’s hard. To celebrate the small wins. To trust that progress—no matter how slow—is still progress.
So as you set your resolutions this year, I encourage you to think beyond the big, shiny outcome. Ask yourself, “What can I do today to move closer to the person I want to become?” And then do that. Show up, even when it feels messy or imperfect. Because the truth is, the act of trying—of consistently showing up—is where the real transformation happens.
Resolutions aren’t about becoming someone else. They’re about becoming more of yourself—stronger, kinder, more resilient. They’re about taking small steps every day that add up to something extraordinary. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: when you show up for yourself, the possibilities are endless.
Here’s to showing up, every single day, with purpose and persistence. Let’s make this year a meaningful one—together. |
| | | |
| | |
| Bernie’s Perspective: Embracing Purpose Through Adversity
I’ve always believed that adversity is the soil in which purpose grows. My journey has not been without challenges; I have faced moments of doubt, loss, and uncertainty. Yet, it was in those moments of struggle that I discovered my purpose: to empower others to transform their lives through resilience and renewal.
I remember a pivotal time in my life when everything felt like it was crumbling. It was then that I realized to move forward, I needed to connect deeply with my "why." That "why" became my compass, guiding me to build Tiger Resilience and inspiring others to embrace their inner strength and rise like the Phoenix. This journey taught me that defining purpose isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a necessity. Purpose ignites action, sustains hope, and transforms challenges into triumphs. It’s what gave me the strength of the Tiger and the clarity of the Phoenix.
Now, it’s what I share with you. Fast forward to today, and I can tell you that I still struggle with challenges and have problems just like everyone else. My life is far from perfect, yet I strive for consistent improvement on a daily basis. One of the challenges I have faced for years is reaching my ideal body weight. Currently, I am 28 pounds over my ideal weight, and I have made this one of my purpose-driven goals for the year. By utilizing the techniques I have incorporated into my life—techniques that have brought me success and that I teach at Tiger Resilience—I know I will be successful, as it has been proven to me time and time again.
I'm also reminded that circumstances in life are beyond our control. There are many things I cannot change: global turmoil, political discord, and even interpersonal relationships that sometimes struggle. However, I do have control over my response to these challenges. With a clear and focused mindset, I can choose to improve myself and continue to aspire to be the person I am meant to be. I believe that we never fully become who we are meant to be; it is a work in progress, constantly evolving. The person I was meant to be 25 years ago is not the same person writing this post today.
As you stand on the threshold of a new year, remember this: Purpose fuels transformation. With the strength of a Tiger and the renewal of a Phoenix, there is nothing you cannot achieve. Here’s to a prosperous, purpose-driven 2025. Let’s make it extraordinary—together. |
| | | |
| | |
| The Power of Purpose: Your Foundation for Success
Purpose is the anchor that keeps your goals steady and the engine that drives you forward. It’s the invisible force that gives meaning to your actions and sustains your motivation when the initial excitement of a resolution fades.
Why Purpose Matters
Clarity: Purpose provides direction, helping you focus on what truly matters.
Resilience: When challenges arise, purpose reminds you why you started, giving you the strength to keep going.
Motivation: Goals tied to purpose evoke a deeper emotional connection, making you more likely to follow through.
Purpose transforms resolutions from fleeting aspirations into meaningful commitments. It’s what ensures that your goals align with your values and create authentic, lasting change. |
| | | |
| | |
| The Science Behind Resolutions: The Fresh Start Effect
The start of a new year activates the Fresh Start Effect, a psychological phenomenon that motivates us to leave past mistakes behind and embrace change. Research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that temporal landmarks like New Year’s Day provide a mental “reset,” making it easier to take action toward our goals.
How Resolutions Impact the Brain
Dopamine Release: Setting a resolution activates the brain’s reward center, creating a sense of anticipation and motivation.
Neuroplasticity: Repeated effort toward a goal rewires the brain, building new habits over time.
While the Fresh Start Effect provides an initial boost of motivation, sustaining progress requires purposeful action and consistent reinforcement. Understanding how your brain responds to goal-setting can help you create resolutions that stick. |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| Developing Personal Agency: Taking Ownership of Your Resolutions
Personal agency is the belief that you are in control of your life and capable of making meaningful changes. It’s a mindset that empowers you to take ownership of your goals and act with intention.
How to Cultivate Personal Agency
Proactivity: Don’t wait for opportunities—create them.
Resilience: View setbacks as opportunities to grow and adapt.
Self-Awareness: Reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement.
Goal Orientation: Break down goals into manageable steps and stay focused.
By fostering personal agency, you empower yourself to turn resolutions into realities, aligning your actions with your purpose. |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| Real-World Example: James Clear and Atomic Habits
l (Michael) read James Clear’s Atomic Habits, and it really transformed my perspective on resolutions. The book’s central idea—that small, consistent actions lead to profound change—resonated deeply with him. Clear emphasizes that success doesn’t come from setting lofty goals but from creating systems that support incremental progress.
Key Takeaways from Atomic Habits
1. Start Small: Begin with tiny changes that are easy to sustain.
2. Identity-Based Habits: Shift your mindset from “I want to achieve this” to “I am this kind of person.”
3. Build Systems: Focus on the processes that lead to success, not just the outcomes.
4. Habit Stacking: Pair new habits with existing routines to make them easier to integrate.
I see Clear’s principles as a perfect match for Tiger Resilience’s philosophy: lasting transformation comes from purpose-driven, consistent action.
Find Atomic Habits on Amazon: Click here to purchase. |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| Journal Exercise: Writing Resolutions with Purpose
Writing down your goals transforms abstract ideas into actionable commitments. Research from the Dominican University of California found that people are 42% more likely to achieve their goals when they write them down and track their progress. Journaling provides clarity, accountability, and a structured way to align your actions with your purpose.
Here are five specific exercises designed to help you use the Tiger Resilience Self-Esteem Journal to anchor your resolutions in purpose and track your journey throughout the year:
1. Define Your Why
Purpose is the cornerstone of successful resolutions. This exercise helps you connect your goals to your core values and motivations:
Write your resolution at the top of a journal page.
Underneath, answer these questions:
Why is this resolution important to me?
How does achieving this goal align with my values?
What would achieving this resolution mean for my life?
Example:
Resolution: Exercise three times a week.
Why: I value health and want to feel stronger and more energetic for my family.
2. Break It Down: Actionable Steps
Large goals can feel overwhelming. Breaking them into smaller, actionable steps makes them more achievable and measurable.
Write your resolution at the top of the page.
Divide the resolution into three actionable steps.
Next to each step, add a realistic timeline.
Example:
Resolution: Save $5,000 this year.
Step 1: Review my monthly expenses and identify areas to cut back (Week 1).
Step 2: Set up automatic transfers of $100/week into a savings account (Week 2).
Step 3: Track progress monthly and adjust as needed (Monthly).
3. Visualize Success
Visualization bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. This exercise helps you picture your ideal self, motivating you to take the steps necessary to achieve your goals.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself at the end of 2025, having achieved your resolution.
In your journal, write a detailed description of:
What you have accomplished.
How you feel about achieving it.
What habits and steps helped you succeed.
Prompt:
“It’s December 31, 2025. I have achieved [your goal]. I feel [emotion], and my life has transformed in these ways: [specific changes].”
4. Weekly Progress Check-Ins
Tracking progress keeps you accountable and helps you maintain momentum. Use this simple reflection exercise each week to evaluate and adjust your approach:
Wins: What went well this week?
Challenges: What obstacles did I face?
Adjustments: What can I do differently next week to stay on track?
Example Check-In Entry:
Wins: I exercised twice this week, even though I was busy.
Challenges: I struggled to stick to my planned meals.
Adjustments: I’ll prep my meals on Sunday to make weekdays easier.
5. Resilience Reflection
Resilience is key to overcoming setbacks. This exercise helps you draw from past experiences to move forward with renewed determination:
Write about a time when you overcame an obstacle in the past.
Reflect on what you learned from that experience.
Identify one action you can take now to apply that lesson to your current resolution.
Prompt:
“I faced a challenge when [past event]. I overcame it by [specific actions]. From this experience, I learned [key insight]. Today, I will apply this lesson by [action].”
Use the Tiger Resilience Self-Esteem Journal
The Tiger Resilience Self-Esteem Journal is designed to help you implement these exercises, track your progress, and align your goals with your purpose. By committing your thoughts to paper, you create a roadmap for transformation and growth.
Order your journal here: Find it on Amazon. |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| Final Thoughts: Your Year of Purpose
Resolutions grounded in purpose are more than goals—they’re commitments to your best self. As we step into 2025, let purpose guide your actions and sustain your transformation.
At Tiger Resilience, we’re here to walk this journey with you. Let’s make 2025 extraordinary—together.
Stay Resilient,
Michael & Bernie
Tiger Resilience
Transform your life in just 7 days!
Path to Purpose: A 7-Day Journey to Clarity and Intentional Living in 2025
Are you ready to uncover your true purpose, align your daily actions with your values, and build a life of clarity and intention? Path to Purpose is more than just a course—it’s a transformational experience designed to help you tap into your inner strength and rise above life’s challenges.
This transformational multimedia interactive mini-course is designed for individuals ready to create a life of meaning and fulfillment. With just 20 minutes a day, you’ll explore practical tools, exercises, and journaling prompts to discover your unique purpose and integrate it into your daily life.
Start your new year with a renewed sense of direction and empowerment.
Our program begins on January 6th, 2025. Visit us at Tiger-Resilience.com to learn more!
References:
American Psychological Association. (2023). Statistics on New Year’s Resolutions. Retrieved from www.apa.org.
Journal of Clinical Psychology. (2023). Why Most Resolutions Fail: A Psychological Analysis. Retrieved from www.jpsych.com.
University of Pennsylvania. (2013). The Fresh Start Effect: Temporal Landmarks Motivate Aspirational Behavior. Retrieved from www.upenn.edu.
Dominican University of California. (2015). The Impact of Writing Down Goals on Goal Achievement. Retrieved from www.dominican.edu.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Self-Determination Theory: An Overview. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com.
Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. New York: Avery. |
| | | |
|
