As we stand at the threshold of 2026, many of us are engaging in the annual ritual of goal setting. We identify what we want to change, lose, or gain. But if we are honest, most of these resolutions will be abandoned before the first signs of spring.

The Red Herring of Willpower

The number one reason personal goals fail is that they are often motivated by an external source - something "everyone" is doing, a traditional belief, or someone else’s expectations. These external sources have less "potency" than our own internal drivers.

When a goal is hard - and often most important goals are - you will inevitably ask yourself: “Why am I doing this?”. If you cannot connect with your core purpose or the things that are truly meaningful to you, your drive will eventually dissipate.

The Formula: Your CORE 4

In my upcoming book, Getting to Better: A New Model for Elevating Human Potential at Work and in Life (launching later this month), I explore the "connective tissue" of human motivation. I’ve confirmed through my work that there are four internal forces - the CORE 4 that drive all human behavior. I refer to the CORE 4 as “Forces of Meaning and Motivation”.

Whether we realize it or not, these forces are operating from the moment we wake up until we crawl back into bed.

• Needs: What you require to feel safe and thrive.
• Values: What you stand for and what is non-negotiable.
• Goals: What you actually aspire to achieve personally or professionally.
• Strengths: What you are naturally good at and what gives you energy.

When these CORE forces are activated, you experience elevated energy and commitment. If you feel "unmotivated," there is nothing wrong with you - you are simply disconnected or dislocated from your CORE 4.

The Internal Alignment Test (The CORE 4 Audit)

To make 2026 your "Better" year, use these four diagnostic questions from the book to see if your resolution has "staying power":

1. Needs Check: What core need will I satisfy by successfully accomplishing this?
2. Values Check: Why is this important to me, and what values do I hold that are in line with this?
3. Goals Check: How does this specific objective support my other goals and get me closer to "Better"?
4. Strengths Check: Am I leveraging my natural talents and energy-giving strengths to reach this?

Bringing Meaning to Work

In the professional world, we often blame "workload" for burnout, but this is often a Red Herring. Manageability is infinitely harder when we do not feel like we Matter or when the work lacks Meaning.

The highest form of meaning occurs when your personal CORE 4 aligns with the Company Compass - the organization's Vision, Mission, Values and Strategy. When leaders foster this alignment, work shifts from a burden to a fulfilling pursuit.

The Payoff: Optimal Performance

When your goals are meaningful and aligned, you naturally activate what I call the Four Pillars of Optimal Human Performance:

• Energy: The fuel for sustained engagement.
• Focus: The ability to be present and effective.
• Commitment: Unwavering loyalty to the outcome.
• Effort: The willingness to persist through challenges.

Final Thought

Goals are simply a mechanism to help us live, feel, and do better. This year, don't set a goal because you think you "should." Set it because it honors your CORE 4.

So, if you’re tired of struggling or getting stuck at work and in your life, join the journey. Getting to Better hits shelves in just three weeks.

Stephen de Groot is President and CoFounder at Brivia. He is the author of Responsive Leadership (SAGE, 2016) and Getting to Better: A New Model for Elevating Human Potential at Work and in Life (Winter, 2026).

To learn more about Stephen, his work and the Brivia approach click HERE.