We set out to push ourselves, improve, and grow. But when things get tough or don’t go to plan? It’s all too easy to pull the plug.

Research from Headway—the leading book summary app—shows that 11% of people have already abandoned their 2025 goals, and 33% are close to giving up. For many, the fear of failing that stands in the way of self-improvement.

In my work as a productivity coach, I’ve come to see why. We’re hardwired to link failure with finality, which fuels self-doubt and causes motivation to fizzle out. Yet, failure is just another stepping stone on the path to success. So if you hit a bump, don’t take it as a sign to give up; take it as an opportunity to learn, adjust, and go again.

1. Challenge yourself

If you’re succeeding 100% of the time, you’re not pushing yourself. As

See Full Page