Ahh… the traditional New Year’s resolution. The gyms are at capacity; salads, fruits and vegetables take over work refrigerators; everyone is excited about slimming down and getting in shape. But realistically, the odds are stacked against us. Resolutions are short-lived, so why waste your time with a New Year’s resolution? What if instead you resolve not to resolve?

Statistically, it takes about a month for most of us to go off the resolution rails. Why? Because people are committing to the destination rather than the journey. We all can accomplish more than we think; most of us just don’t have a map showing how to get there or how it utilize it. The result? We quit. A resolution is, at its core, a behavioral change that requires deep dedication in order to have any lasting effect.

Hinging a monumental change on a man-made, arbitrary date is not the answer. Rather, regardless of what day you’re reading this, you should begin your journey to improve today.

Consider that the journey is the destination. It’s not about being skinny; it’s about losing weight. If we set ourselves up simply to commit to the resolution, rather than to the journey, we set ourselves up for failure. If we try to become LIKE a great communicator rather than focusing on the journey of becoming a great communicator, we won’t ever get there.

Another point about New Year’s resolutions is that they tend to be focused on vanity. Yes, it is important to exercise and eat right, but it’s not very common to hear someone say, “I’m resolving to be a better person this year. I need to have more patience and to be more positive.” I challenge you to go deeper than physical appearance this year. DARE to look beyond the surface and become a better person, a better employee or a better colleague. Be a more honest and authentic person every day.