The real reason resolutions fizzle: there's always next year--if your year is 12 weeks long.

• Author: Moran, Brian P.
• Position: Psychology

EVERYBODY LOVES a new year. It is a bright, shiny, fresh, clean slate--a vista unblemished by mistakes or regrets; a brand-new chance to make "those changes" and accomplish "those things" we have been meaning to do forever. Yet, undermining all of this glorious potential is the hidden truth we are aware of even as we proclaim that this time we really will lose 20 pounds or get out of debt or finally launch that long-dreamed-of business: New Year's resolutions are nothing more than fairy tales we grown-ups tell ourselves.

If you are like 92% of Americans, you are not going to keep those resolutions. What is more, you know it. What you may not know is why. The No. 1 enemy of most New Year's resolutions is not feasibility, a lack of know-how, or even a lack of motivation, though those things can come into play. The real enemy is time.

It is all too easy to procrastinate through January, February, March, and even longer. No problem, you think--I have more than half a year left to do what I said I would. Even when July and August roll around, there remain enough months left in the year that you do not feel a real sense of urgency. Next thing you know, the holidays are almost upon you, and you still are way over your ideal weight, drinking too many sodas a day, working the same job, with less savings than you would like. Well, it is too late to do anything now, you figure--I will try again next year.

For many people, this depressing chain of events recycles on a yearly basis because faraway deadlines allow--even encourage--us to be slack on execution. Give yourself too much time and you will procrastinate. It is just human nature.

Ultimately, effective execution occurs daily and weekly and on a consistent basis. To perform at your best, you will need to get out of "annual mode" and stop thinking in terms of a 365-day year. Instead, employ a 12-week year. It is a system that works for businesses striving to meet their goals--and it will work for you, too. When you redefine the concept of a year, your life will change. A year no longer is 12 months; it now is 12 weeks, followed by the next 12-week year, ad infinitum. Each 12-week period stands on its own.

You no longer have the luxury of putting off critical activities, thinking there is "plenty of time" left to meet your goals. When you only have 12 weeks, each week matters; each day matters; each moment matters--and the results are profound.

Realize that success is created in the moment and most...