Why "Quitters Day" Is a Myth and How to Stay on Track
By MK Emerson
Quitters Day—the second Friday of the year—gets its name because it’s when many give up on their New Year’s Resolutions. But let me tell you, there’s no such thing as “Quitters Day” in my world.
Here’s why:
At the start of this year, I had Covid. No workouts, no projects, no goals met. It’s even the second year! I had it the first week of 2024, too. By some standards, that might look like failure. But I saw it as a blessing in disguise. I relied on my intuition, knowing that structure and action would follow when my energy returned.
And guess what? I’m not quitting. I’m actually set up to do better than if I started strong.
Here’s what I learned:
How to Beat Quitters Day
Think of January as Practice
January isn’t about perfection; it’s about trial and error. This first month is your warm-up—a chance to figure out what works, what doesn’t, and where you need to adjust. Even if you’ve stumbled, it’s not a failure. You have the entire year ahead to refine and grow.Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Forget sprinting through January to hit your goals. Instead, ease into the year with a focus on consistency. Think long-term—a slow start can lead to a stronger finish.Track Your Progress
Create a chart to visualize your ups and downs. Peaks and valleys are part of the process. At the end of the year, you’ll see progress if you keep going, even on the tough days. Each month offers a fresh start, so adjust as needed to keep moving forward.Forgive Yourself.
It has taken many mistakes for me to learn that it’s actually okay to give in to the old self, especially when making new habits. You need to not just tell yourself you’re forgiven, but actually believe it. If you know for sure you still want to achieve a goal, then you’ll quickly accept that you fell off. Don’t dwell on it. Change your setting and get it off your mind. In a few hours, or your next meal if weight loss/gain is your goal, you’ll have another chance. Every sunrise is a new opportunity, too. Forgive. Move forward.
The Beauty of Starting Slow
This year, much like last, began with illness for me. And you know what? It reinforced that a slow start is better. Skipping days, forgiving the process, and focusing on steady progress is key.
I’ll never again start my goals fresh and speedy on January 1st. It’s going to take a lot longer than that to replace the old with the new. Ever clean a garage out?
Even if last Friday felt like the end, it wasn’t. Each week, month, or even every New Moon can be your “New Year.” There are endless chances to realign with your goals.
So no, you’re not a quitter. You’re human. And every step, no matter how small, is part of the journey. Take your time and refine.
Start fresh, go slow, and keep going.
Love,
MK
This blog was written to inform readers of how to reach your New Year’s goals and not quit on “Quitters Day”. It is not to be consider as professional advice, it is merely an opinion and experience practiced by the author. Take what you want from it and grow, or toss it away and move forward. We’re here for fun!