Every January, we dream up fresh goals—eat better, start a new habit, finally finish that passion project. But most of us know the pattern: high hopes in January, back to old habits by February.
It’s not just willpower. So, what if part of the problem is howyou try to change, not just what you try to change?
Why Most Resolutions Fizzle Out
Many people make resolutions based on what sounds good or what’s trending… but ignore a fundamental piece: their personal energy.
We each have dominant energies (like the elements—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit) shaping how we respond to change, tackle goals, and stay motivated. For example:
- Earth energy people need steady routines and small, doable steps.
- Air energy loves ideas, variety, and brainstorming with others.
- Fire energy thrives with bold moves, visualizing big wins, and tackling challenges head-on.
- Water energy craves emotions, flow, and working with cycles of rest and action.
Most advice and “one size fits all” plans only work for a short time because they don’t line up with your actual wiring.
How Elemental Energy Makes a Difference
Let’s say your friend loves setting rigid workout goals (very Earth), but you’re all about change and inspiration (Air/Water). Forcing yourself into her system feels like a fight every day. Or maybe you get really fired up at the start (Fire energy), but lose momentum because you need variety and deeper meaning (Water/Air).
If you match the way you pursue your resolution to your natural energy, it feels easier. You enjoy it. Tiny changes add up, and you’re less likely to quit.
Finding Your Element Makes Goals Stick
Here’s what happens when you intentionally work with your elemental energy:
- Your habits feel like self-expression, not self-control.
- You bounce back more quickly when you miss a day.
- You stay more motivated—because you’re not burning out or forcing yourself to fit a mold.
You start to notice that your ideal habits aren’t just about what you “should” do… but what feels right in your body, emotions, and mind.
How To Find Your Elemental Energy
Most people think their zodiac “sun sign” is the whole story, but in holistic traditions, we all have a mix of elements. You often have two major ones, and others that show up at different times.
You can ask yourself:
- When do I feel most motivated—when challenged, surrounded by people, in quiet routines, or inspired by emotion?
- What types of routines or plans have actually stuck for me, not just sounded good?
Want a Simple Way To Start?
If you’re curious about your elemental makeup, I put together The Basics of Elemental Energy—a free mini guide that helps you:
- Identify your dominant energies
- Learn what kinds of goals and routines match your natural flow
- Try tiny, 5-minute practices for getting “unstuck” and staying focused
It’s less about starting huge—and more about aligning with your true self, so change gets easier (and a little more fun).
If you’d like the guide, you can grab it here. Here’s to a year of working with your energy—and seeing your resolutions finally stick.
