Permission to Fail: Why “Falling Off” Your Resolutions Isn’t a Failure, It’s Feedback
Confession: You Have Permission to Fail Your Resolutions
(In fact… we encourage it.)
We’re only a couple of weeks into January, and already the pressure is everywhere.
✨ Be better.
✨ Move faster.
✨ Eat cleaner.
✨ Wake up earlier.
But what if you’re already tired?
What if you feel like you should be doing more but can’t quite muster the energy or clarity to keep up?
Here’s the truth:
Most people don’t stick to their resolutions.
In fact, only 8% of people actually stick to their New Year’s goals for the entire year, according to Time Magazine.
So if you’ve already skipped your gym sessions, reached for chocolate, or pressed snooze more than once, it simply means you’re human!
It’s Not a Motivation Problem. It’s a Capacity Problem.
At Hello Mimi, we’re hearing this at the moment from women in our community in perimenopause or menopause.
They say things like:
“I know what helps… I just can’t seem to stick with it.”
“I’m so tired of starting over.”
“Everything feels harder than it used to, even small things.”
Here’s what we want you to know:
Your brain isn’t lazy.
Your willpower isn’t weak.
Your body is simply wise and it’s asking for support, not hustle.
Hormones, Stress & the Nervous System Load
When your hormones are shifting, estrogen dropping, cortisol spiking, sleep patterns disrupted, your nervous system is already under strain.
And yet, we often try to “fix” ourselves by adding more:
New routines
New diets
New goals
More structure
More restriction
But if your system is already overloaded, this only increases the sense of failure and fatigue.
So what’s the alternative?
The Hello Mimi Strategy: Subtract Before You Add
Before you chase a new resolution, try subtracting what’s draining you.
Start here:
Subtract the noise.
Take 5 quiet minutes in your room or bathroom. No phone. No expectations. Just stillness.
Subtract the “musts.”
Ask yourself: What actually needs to get done today and what can wait?
Subtract the stimulation.
Instead of scrolling, dim the lights. Let your brain wind down naturally.
Then, only then, add in one small supportive shift.
Not a full plan. Not a new habit tracker.
Just one tiny act of nourishment:
✔️ Two minutes of slow breathing
✔️ A cup of tea in silence
✔️ Saying “no” to one extra thing
✔️ Getting into bed 15 minutes earlier
These Small Acts Are Not Small
They may not look impressive on paper, but they’re powerful.
They lower cortisol.
They help your brain and body feel safe.
They make space for actual healing, not just survival.
And in menopause, that is the reset your body is craving.
Want More Support?
In our latest podcast episode of Real, Honest, Messy Menopause, Lucie and Lesley answer a powerful question from our community:
“Dear Mimi, I know what helps… but I can’t seem to stick to anything. What do I do?”
We dive deep into:
✨ Why motivation fades (and what’s really going on)
✨ How to work with your body instead of against it
✨ The surprising power of nervous system support
Listen to Episode: Your Most Asked Menopause Questions, Answered
Over to You…
What’s one resolution you’ve “failed” already and how can you reframe it as feedback instead of failure?
Or what’s one thing you can subtract today to make room for rest, gentleness, and space?
Leave a comment. We’re redefining success around here and your story matters.
Disclaimer:
At Hello Mimi, we’re here to support and empower you with education, encouragement, and practical tools but we’re not a substitute for personalised medical advice. The information in this blog is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet, or supplements especially if you're managing a condition or taking medication.