Forget New Year’s resolutions: Psychology reveals how to rewire your brain for success in 2026

Research shows most January goals don’t stick—but being more intention-based about getting a new job or hitting the gym can help.

January is a time when many people reflect on their goals for the year ahead—a new job, a promotion, hitting the gym, or overall better health—but research from Baylor College of Medicine and psychologist Richard Wiseman shows 88% of people actually fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions.