8 Things High-Achieving People Do Differently: A Psychotherapist Explains

Anyone else a little sick of hearing about New Year's resolutions? It's OK to admit it. Here's the thing: Regardless of whether you have a resolution, starting a new habit is tough, and falling into old habits is all too easy. If we rely on willpower alone, chances are we'll fail. People who are high achievers know this: In my experience, they tend to take more risks, create more often (get rejected more often, too), and know how to recalibrate when things are imbalanced. The more often we perform our new habits, even in spite of failure, the more likely they are to become second nature. So I culled the latest and greatest in motivation research to help you do just that. Here's everything you need to know to outsmart your brain, get over that plateau, and stay motivated like the high achiever you want to be—whether you're working on your resolution or you've set new goals.

I call this the Goldilocks phenomenon—scientists call it the Yerkes-Dodson Law. The basic premise is too little stress will make it unlikely that you will take steps to make a change because there is not enough reason to do so. Too much stress, however, can cause avoidance and practical paralysis. The best way to do this is to focus on why you want to make a change.

Research shows that not sharing your intentions with the world may actually help you stay motivated. Why? The pressure of success when others are aware of your intentions can result in avoidance of doing the task.

Another study found that sharing updates on your progress with a friend can double your likelihood of sticking with a goal. While this may seem like a contradiction from above, it may be that having a close friend who you think has your back can help motivate you, as opposed to being fearful of how others will react if you fail.

"I had one cookie and messed up my diet; might as well eat the rest of the plate" is a common reaction for many. This perfectionistic, all-or-nothing mentality, however, can prevent you from staying with your new habit. If you revert to old ways, use it as a learning experience. And celebrate every "win" or step in the right direction.

Research demonstrates that the belief that you have a limitless amount of willpower can help keep you motivated. So remind yourself that willpower is not limited—you can do this!

Whether your goal is to stay organized or stick to an exercise program, take steps to make the experience fun. If you are competitive, find someone else who is focused on the same goal and have a fun contest. If you are exercising, look for ways to move your body that are enjoyable for you (dancing, playing a sport, trying a new class).

Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on doing one task. Then take a five-minute break. This can help ward off procrastination fueled by "I don't want to do X" or "I don't have time to complete Y, so why start now?"

It is human nature to not want to lose—so use this to your advantage. One study found that having to pay back money received when not sticking with a goal is more motivating that getting money for actually doing it. How can you apply this? Agree that you will donate money to a cause you do NOT like if you don't stay on track.