Every January 1st, we commit the same psychological mistake: we focus exclusively on the outcome—the finished product—and entirely ignore the system that gets us there.
We resolve to "lose 20 pounds," "save $10,000," or "be a better person." These outcomes are admirable, but they carry a hidden danger: they set you up for failure the moment you slip up. One missed gym day, one emotional purchase, and the entire resolution crumbles. You feel guilt, label yourself a failure, and quit by March.
At Grow by Repeat, we believe sustainable growth is built on small, repeatable actions. This year, skip the overwhelming resolutions. Choose a simple, actionable system: the Action-Based Intention (A.B.I.).
The Psychology of the Resolution Fail
Resolutions are often built on a foundation of self-criticism. We focus on fixing a perceived flaw, which puts the entire process under the weight of judgment.
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Outcome Focus: Resolutions are about the destination. If you don't hit the destination immediately, you feel demoralized.
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Guilt Cycle: Resolutions create an "all-or-nothing" mentality. If you aren't doing the thing perfectly, you might as well stop entirely.
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Vague Commitment: "Be happier" or "Be healthier" lack clear, measurable daily steps, leaving you guessing where to start.
The psychological shift required for real change is moving the focus from Who I Want To Be (the resolution) to What I Will Do Today (the intention).
Introducing the Action-Based Intention (A.B.I.)
An Action-Based Intention is a small, specific, daily action that supports a larger value or desired feeling. The success of an A.B.I. is measured not by the final outcome, but by whether you performed the action today.
This removes the pressure of the destination and puts all your energy into the process.
Here's how to build your A.B.I. for the New Year:
Step 1: Identify Your Core Value (The "Why")
Forget the generic outcome. Ask yourself: How do I want to feel this year?
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Instead of: "I want to be rich."
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Try: Value: Clarity, Freedom, Security.
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Instead of: "I want to be organized."
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Try: Value: Peace, Efficiency, Focus.
Step 2: Define the Micro-Action (The "How")
This action must be so small that it feels almost ridiculous to skip. It should take 15 minutes or less.
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If your Value is Security (Money): Your A.B.I. is: "I will spend 10 minutes every Friday reconciling my budget." (Not: "I will save $10,000.")
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If your Value is Health (Body/Energy): Your A.B.I. is: "I will leave my desk and walk around the block once after lunch." (Not: "I will go to the gym five times a week.")
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If your Value is Peace (Work/Home): Your A.B.I. is: "I will spend 5 minutes every morning putting away three things on my desk." (Not: "I will maintain a perfectly clean office.")
The success criteria are now simple: Did I do my 10 minutes of action today? If you did, you won. You are successfully building your system.
The Power of Repetition
The magic of the A.B.I. aligns perfectly with the Grow by Repeat philosophy. It teaches your brain that consistency is the only currency that matters.
When you perform the action daily, you are signaling to your subconscious: "This action is non-negotiable." Over weeks and months, the small action (the 5-minute tidy) automatically starts expanding (your whole office gets cleaner). The action creates the habit, and the habit eventually delivers the outcome you originally resolved to achieve—without the stress, guilt, or massive failure risk.
This year, don't just resolve. Choose one action. Repeat it. Watch your world change.