Life Goals

Don’t Beat Yourself Up! 10 Reasons Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work

By Laura Berman Fortgang on January 4, 2026

Pulling a classic from our archives . . .

Admit it. Even though you predictably set them year after year, your New Year’s resolutions rarely stick. 23% of us break them in a week and 45% by the end of the month. A lot of people don’t even bother anymore.

Let’s take a look at ten reasons why you may be frustrated, and how to turn things around if you are genuinely interested in making a change in your life.

1. You haven’t made room in your life for a new priority.

The odds are that something’s got to go if you’re really serious about achieving a new goal. Determine and declare your top 3-5 priorities (research shows we can only focus on five areas or less and succeed) and be willing to let go of the rest – at least for now.

2. You’re trying to change something that’s a symptom of a bigger issue.

You may be trying to change a bad habit or a certain behavior, like smoking or overeating, by developing more self-discipline. Why not do the real work by looking within yourself to understand how you got there in the first place?

3. You’re changing something because you think you should change it, not because you want to change it.

External pressures or doing the “right” thing won’t cut it in the end. What really counts is what you want. Figure out what inspires you from the inside and then devote yourself to it.

4. You’ve chosen a goal that’s too big.

Although you may be initially excited about the prospect of achieving a large goal, you could feel deflated once reality sets in. Chop your resolution down into bite-size pieces and accomplish it one bite at a time.

5. You haven’t learned to say “no” to people and projects that’ll distract you.

As much as you want your resolutions to stick, you may find yourself devoting precious time and energy elsewhere, whether it’s on “want-tos” or “have-tos.” You can only do so much, so get comfortable using the word “no” to avoid distractions.

6. You don’t set up the structure for making change happen.

You may be adding a resolution into your mix without coming up with a master plan and schedule to make it a part of your life. Put a system in place that’ll support the change by giving you the structure you need.

7. You don’t seek out someone to hold you accountable.

It’s easy to lose focus when we don’t have accountability. Whether it’s a coach, trainer, doctor, relative, or close friend, seek out someone who you can trust to be there for you. Plus, tell him or her on the front end when and how you want support.

8. You let the resolution rule your life.

If you go overboard pursuing your resolution, you may put too much pressure on the rest of your life and find it hard to maintain it. Set realistic expectations, plan for them, and get support. Plus, give yourself some extra room by telling your family, friends and colleagues in advance that your attention may be off them for a while. Full obsession starts to affect other areas of your life and become unsustainable.

9. You don’t take consistent action.

You won’t go the distance with sporadic spurts of activity. Commit to do one thing a day – no matter how small – that puts you closer to your goals. Consistency is key.

10. You don’t celebrate the small victories.

If your eyes are glued on the prize, you may be “living in the gap” between where you are and where you want to be. Set yourself up to succeed by celebrating the small victories. Success breeds success, so make them all count.

If you’re going to bother to use January 1 as a RESTART button, just remember that you can pick any day or hour to start again.

Take the pressure off, and gift yourself the gift of change with these tips.

Go from side hustle to full-time – the smart way

By Laura Berman Fortgang on October 5, 2025

There’s something incredibly powerful about creating your own opportunities. Being your own boss means you get to control your destiny, and that’s a beautiful thing.

But don’t let anyone fool you into thinking it’s easy. And don’t fool yourself into thinking your part-time business will be easier if you just quit your job and go all-in.

Whether you’re dreaming about breaking free from a toxic workplace or turning your side hustle into a full-time career, there’s one truth you need to hear: Freedom is harder than you think.

Lately, I’ve been working with a client who’s doing a fantastic job preparing for the leap from side hustle to full-time business. She’s not there yet, but she’s building the foundation, and I want to share some practical tips based on what she’s doing right in case you’re ready to take that path too.

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Tip #1: Don’t quit your day job without a plan.
Unless you’ve got at least six months to a year’s worth (preferably more!) of living expenses saved up, you need a crossover strategy. This client works a full-time job that has nothing to do with her side hustle, but she’s making it work. Nights and weekends. Testing her offer. Building proof. She has paying clients, testimonials, and, most importantly, market validation. That’s where it starts.

Tip #2: A cash cushion can save your tush.
You need to save up 6–12 months of expenses. Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, and your peace of mind will depend on having a financial buffer.

Tip #3: Bide your time if you can.
If it’s possible to negotiate a shift from full-time to part-time in your current job, do it. Having more time for your business, while bringing in a steady paycheck, means less stress. If that’s not an option, look for a bridge job that gives you flexibility while you grow. You can always do gig work if you need to get scrappy, but I’ve noticed that maintaining a part-time regular paycheck is often ideal.

Tip #4: Start building systems now.
Don’t wait for some day when everything’s perfect. Document what you do and create processes as early as possible. When you’re ready to bring in help, whether it’s a VA, contractor, or generous spouse, you don’t want everything living in your brain.

Tip #5: Manage your mindset.
When it’s time to take the leap, making that shift is a big deal. Don’t underestimate the transition period. This is where you learn how to motivate yourself without a boss breathing down your neck. You’ll need to prepare your mind and stay grounded. No clock to punch. No one telling you what to do. Just you, your goals, and your grit.

Tip #6: Don’t inflate your lifestyle too soon.
Keep your personal expenses to a minimum while you build. You don’t have to eat rice and beans (unless you want to) or fall into a stark scarcity mindset, but be smart about spending. Don’t get ahead of yourself, even if business revenue starts flowing in. Your best months can be followed by crickets; that’s the way it goes sometimes.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is watching clients build a successful business that supports their dream of freedom because they did it the right way…

I’ve also seen talented people crash and burn because they followed some internet guru who sold them the fantasy without the plan.

That’s not what we do here.
We get real. We get strategic. We build something solid.

The best time to start? Five years ago.
The second-best time? Right now.

If you’ve got a side hustle and you’re ready to go full-time, don’t wing it – build it!

I’m cheering you on.

Your legacy matters now more than ever

By Laura Berman Fortgang on August 17, 2025

When was the last time you thought about the legacy you’re going to leave behind?

I’m asking because, quite frankly, too many of the conversations I’ve had lately are spiraling into survival mode territory. We’re losing sight of things that matter, like meaning, purpose, and impact.

Of course, I know why…

You don’t have to remind me that we’re living in tumultuous times. Between the headlines, the uncertainty, and the sheer volume of noise, it’s no wonder we’re distracted by planning for worst-case scenarios.

But I want to remind you that survival mode is no place to live, regardless of the circumstances.

Leading with Focus and Not Fear

If you’re not careful, coping becomes your default. You start leading with fear instead of focus. You begin preparing for basic necessities instead of building for the best. Your biggest goal is no greater than getting through the day.

Here’s the truth: You still have so much to give.

Now more than ever, I want you to remember what you’re really here for – not just to hustle, to pay bills, and to scroll headlines. You’re here to create something meaningful; something that lasts.

That something? It’s your legacy.

You might think that legacy is just what you leave behind after you’re gone. But it’s also what grounds you right now. It keeps you aligned when the world feels unsteady and helps you stay connected to your deepest values. Leaning into legacy brings your most impactful work to the surface.

Whether you’re in a corporate role, building a business, or just trying to find your footing, your legacy matters.

To help my clients reconnect to that long-term vision, I often introduce what I call the Legacy Lens, which is a simple framework for legacy thinking. Think of each potential type of legacy – Treasure, Truth, Purpose, or Touch (TTPT) – as a different angle, forming a prism that shapes your perspective and aligns your vision.

● Treasure – What financial gifts or resources might you leave behind? How are you using money to make an impact?
It could be a foundation funding the arts for generations or a donation to your local food pantry.

● Truth – What knowledge, ideas, or innovations are you putting into the world?
It might be a major scientific breakthrough, a bestselling book, a popular TEDx Talk, or a simple framework shared in a newsletter, like this one.

● Purpose – What causes, missions, or values are you standing for?
You could be organizing protests in your community, hosting transformational retreats, or choosing to do business only with those you believe to be on the right side of history.

● Touch – Whose lives have you shaped? Who will carry your love and influence forward?
This may be the impact you have on your children, nieces and nephews, classroom students, workplace mentees, the neighbors you teach how to garden, or the friends you host for dinner parties.

Ask yourself: “If I were 90, would I be proud of how I spent my time? Would I feel good about what I’m leaving behind?”

I think of Mother Teresa, who said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” She didn’t set out to become a saint; she started with one small act of compassion in response to suffering.

Your legacy doesn’t need to be grand or flashy. It needs to be real. From the heart and intentional.

As I always tell my clients: You don’t have to be famous to be unforgettable; you just have to be intentional.

Don’t let chaos steal your vision. Come back to focus on what makes a difference. Let’s strive to leave a legacy that matters.

Are You Multi-Passionate?

By Laura Berman Fortgang on April 20, 2025

If you consider yourself multi-passionate or know someone who does, you’re going to want to read this.

At face value, “multi-passionate” sounds like a wonderful trait to have. What could be wrong with having lots of passions – many different interests that you consider fun and exciting? The more, the merrier, right?

Not exactly . . .

As fun as it sounds to have lots of passions, many of my clients and the people I speak to every day are overwhelmed by their multi-passionate outlook.

They have a myriad of interests that don’t fit in one neat box and a mixed bag of talent, experience, and abilities that open up a world of opportunities.

Ahh . . . the possibilities!

Being multi-passionate means your path isn’t straight or narrow; it’s one filled with options, alternatives, and potential. Sounds great!

But it also means you can get lost in the twists and turns.

Here’s what I recommend:

Audit your interests.
What brings you joy? Where are you most skilled? What’s the required time commitment? What’s the income potential?
Consider the bigger picture.
What aligns best with your core values? Does this option fit into this season of your life?
Find the congruencies.
Can you integrate one interest with another? How can you infuse creativity into what you’re already doing? How can you use talents and skills in different ways?
Commit mindfully.
How will you juggle everything? Do you have the time? Do you need new skills or support to handle things efficiently? How will this impact your bottom line?
Find your pace.
What’s primary and secondary, and how will you allocate your limited resources? What boundaries do you need to establish?

You can thrive in a multi-passionate career and life. I do it and have coached many to do so successfully.

But if you’re not intentional about it, multi-passions can become nothing but distractions. You can’t allow yourself to get too scattered or spread all over the place.

Success requires focus – in the moment, on one passion at a time.

Joy: A Survival Tactic

By Laura Berman Fortgang on April 13, 2025

You don’t need an update from me about the state of the world.

We can all agree that there’s a lot going on and much of it is concerning. I almost added, “. . . if you’re paying attention” out of habit, but I can’t tell you the last time I spoke to someone who wasn’t on edge.

You might not need an update from me, but there’s a good chance you could use an uplift.

You’re in for a real treat because I have a lifetime of worrying experience! I’m good at overthinking my way straight into worst-case scenarios.

But you can see I haven’t let it hold me back. The truth is, I’ve relied upon many different coping tactics over the years. However, when things started getting nasty, fear tried to take hold.

As a coach, I’m surrounded by positive thinkers; it’s a perk of the job. I kept hearing them say, “I’m not going to let this steal my joy.” I understood it intellectually; it just didn’t seem practical. I look for strategies to implement – things I can work on, step-by-step.

Joy is a feeling, an emotion. It’s something intangible, and I wasn’t convinced I could simply claim it on demand. So I worked on it . . .

Here’s what I understand now —

When we don’t have control over what’s going on around us, it’s our natural inclination to look for what we CAN control. It’s how we’re wired as human beings.

But when we consider what we DO have power over, emotions are at the top of that list. Sure, they can take over briefly, but we’re ultimately in charge from moment to moment.

We have the power to feel joy in almost any moment.

Claiming joy doesn’t mean we’re in a constant state of happiness. We can take delight or pleasure in something, even if the feeling is fleeting. Appreciating that instant can be an impetus for survival.

Think about each moment of joy as a driving force; the motivation that propels you to endure and overcome challenges. Consider joyful moments as momentum.

What’s one small thing you can do each day to experience joy?

Writing in a journal, riding a bike, playing with your pet, putting your feet in the grass, taking up a new hobby. It must be something personal to you.

As for me, I’ve decided to start singing again! I was a musical theater performer for many years, so I’m dusting off the old vocal cords, practicing in the car every day, and going on an audition – simply for the joy of it! (I’m not sure I even want the part. I just want to sing for people!)

Now it’s your turn. I challenge you to do one thing each day to claim your joy.

Joy is a survival tactic, and it’s a powerful one!

How to Recession-Proof Your Business

By Laura Berman Fortgang on April 6, 2025

One of the best things about being in business for yourself is that you’re the one in charge. But it’s also one of the hardest things about it. When things get tough, the buck stops with you!

Well, I’m no economist, but last year’s whispers of a looming recession are turning into shouts lately.

Some of my clients and colleagues are starting to panic (“I hear ya!”). But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and throw up our hands in defeat. Remember, you’re in charge, which means you have options.

It’s time to start recession-proofing your business. Here’s what I recommend:

Diversify your portfolio.

Just like your financial advisor would tell you to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, I’m telling you to add some variety to what you offer.

What can you do to make your services more accessible?
How can you bring clients in at different price points?
Where can you add new revenue streams?

Retain the clients you have.

Excellent customer service should always be a pressing matter, but now more than ever, do what it takes to keep your current clients happy! Think of creative ways to add loyalty perks for staying on board, such as bonus one-on-one time or retainer discounts for paying ahead. Retaining a client is cheaper and easier than attracting a new one in any economy.

Enhance your value proposition.

Make sure prospects know you’re worth the investment. What kinds of returns will they get from working with you? The results you deliver should make the kind of impact they would regret missing out on.

Keep up with your marketing.

If you’re looking for things to cut out of the budget, put marketing near the bottom of the list. Staying top of mind should be a top priority. Switch up your messaging to meet the moment if necessary, but don’t you dare go quiet. Stay out there, and stay consistent.

Upgrade your skills.

The key is to stay relevant, to stay nimble, and to pivot if you have to. Be smart about it, but focus on how you can best add value right now, and how you can make your business more profitable. Do you need to learn new technology or a new method?

Streamline your operations.

What things are nice to have, and what’s a necessity? How can you make your business run more efficiently (truly)? Be mindful and strategic about cutting costs and eliminating time sucks.

Most importantly, stand in your power! Lean into your strengths and gifts. People may be discerning about where they spend their money, but they need you. Remember that.

We’ll get through this!