Setting and keeping New Year’s resolutions can be a challenge, according to Dr. Phil Henry, a professor of counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University and licensed mental health counselor. He explains that many people struggle to maintain their goals beyond the first few months of the year.
Dr. Henry points out that most resolutions tend to last only two to four months before individuals revert to previous habits. He attributes this difficulty not only to the nature of change itself but also to the obstacles people face when trying to make meaningful improvements.
He recommends two main strategies for success: “Burn bridges. Eliminate what occupies the territory you must conquer. Build bridges. Leave where you are and go to where you have not been.”
Dr. Henry draws on historical and psychological examples, noting how eliminating connections with negative influences—whether people, places, or things—can create space for new growth and opportunities.
He shares an anecdote about a client who struggled with sobriety until he was willing to delete his dealer’s phone number: “Would you be willing to erase your dealer’s number now?” Dr. Henry asked during a session. The client agreed and subsequently succeeded in staying sober.
“Start by—sorry about this—eliminating those people who block your God-given goal,” Dr. Henry advises readers, emphasizing that unhealthy relationships often prevent progress.
In addition to distancing oneself from unhelpful relationships, Dr. Henry suggests avoiding environments or activities that reinforce old patterns: “What are the places you frequent that stop you from moving ahead?” He recounts advising a student who worked in a bar and repeatedly found herself in unsuccessful relationships formed there; changing jobs led her toward healthier outcomes.
He also encourages removing distractions such as excessive phone use or other time-wasting habits that hinder personal growth.
Once negative influences are addressed, Dr. Henry advocates for building positive routines through investment of time and resources: “Passion is built on three things: Investment of time; Investment of money; Making the thing you want to be passionate about a priority that trumps all other things.”
He concludes by urging individuals to focus on their goals daily: “Get rid of the people, the places, and the things that hold you back… When we are willing—or pray for the willingness—our resolutions might have a better chance of sticking.”
Dr. Phil Henry has taught at several universities prior to joining Palm Beach Atlantic University and is recognized for his work in Christian counseling, addiction recovery, motivational interviewing, neuroscience, and related fields.
