Episode 26: Why Resolutions Don’t Stick — And How to Set Goals That Actually Last - Entreé

→ Download the Free Goal Setting Workbook

Most resolutions are built to fail—not because you’re weak, but because they work against the way the human brain and nervous system create change. Resolutions often rely on motivation spikes, perfectionistic expectations, and big dramatic goals that your system can’t hold.

In this powerful end-of-year episode, Alyssia Sheikh reveals why resolutions don’t stick and how to set goals you can actually live. Drawing from neuroscience, behavior research, embodiment, and years of coaching experience, she explains the psychology behind real change—and why tiny, consistent actions beat big dramatic resolutions every time.

You’ll learn the difference between expectations (pressure, rigidity, shame) and aspirations (alignment, values, spaciousness), why reflection must come before planning, and how to use Alyssia’s HUMAN Method—Honor, Understand, Minimize, Allow, Nourish—to build systems that support your humanness, not fight it.

Alyssia also guides you through a short embodiment practice to help you feel the difference between pressure-based goals and aspiration-based ones—and she introduces a free workbook to walk you through the HUMAN Method step by step.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why motivation drops and why that’s normal (Fresh Start Effect research)
• Why habits—not intentions—run nearly half your life
• How all-or-nothing goals activate your threat system and shut down change
• Why outcome goals fail and process goals work
• How to design goals for your worst days, not fantasy-you
• The HUMAN Method for sustainable, values-aligned change
• A guided practice to help you feel into your 2026 aspirations

💭 Reflection:
What if your goals didn’t have to impress anyone—including your inner critic—and instead existed to support who you’re becoming?

Download the free HUMAN Goal-Setting Workbook below to go deeper.

Follow & Connect:

• Join the Newsletter
• IG: @alyssiasheikh
• TikTok: @alyssiasheikh
• YouTube: Alyssia Sheikh
• Email me: [email protected]
• Call our hotline and leave a voicemail! (213) 632-9972‬
• Book a Self-Trust Session with Alyssia

• The Hoffman Institute (Alyssia is a Hoffman Process teacher; podcast is not affiliated)

Relevant Episodes: 

• Part 1: “How to Reflect on Your Year (Before You Set New Goals)”

• Strengths & The 80/20 Shift

• Lost or Disconnected? Quick Bite

Relevant Links & Resources:

• Fresh Start Effect. Dai, Milkman & Riis (2014). The Fresh Start Effect: Temporal Landmarks Motivate Aspirational Behavior. https://faculty.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Dai_Fresh_Start_2014_Mgmt_Sci.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Good Habits, Bad Habits — Wendy Wood (USC Dornsife): https://www.dornsife.usc.edu/wendy-wood/good-habits-bad-habits/
• Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta-Analysis of Effects and Processes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0065260106380021