Every January, millions of people set ambitious New Year’s resolutions. Then, a few weeks later, they watch them quietly fade away. Your personality influences how you dream, plan, and follow through on those resolutions. Understanding your style helps you set goals that match who you are, not who you think you should be.
Let’s explore how each of the four bird styles—the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl—approaches resolutions and how each can maintain them beyond the first few weeks of the year.
Eagles: Resolutions as a Challenge
Eagles don’t set resolutions; they set targets. They love the thrill of a challenge and the satisfaction of achievement. If an Eagle says they’ll do something, they plan to crush it. However, Eagles can set goals that are too ambitious. They thrive on results, not routines, so if progress slows, they may lose interest.
Sample Eagle Resolutions:
- Listen to understand instead of trying to solve the problem.
- Provide more feedback to others.
- Be patient when results take time to appear.
How to make it stick:
- Break big goals into clear milestones.
- Track progress visually, as Eagles love to see results.
- Remember that patience isn’t weakness, it’s strategic.
Parrots: Resolutions as an Adventure
Parrots thrive on possibility. They don’t seek a resolution; they crave a revolution. They view each new year as a blank canvas full of potential. They’re excellent at starting projects, but their follow-through often fades once the excitement diminishes.
ample Parrot Resolutions:
- Finish what you begin
- Be interested rather than interesting
- Slow down and prioritize planning over spontaneity
How to make it stick:
- Make your goals enjoyable and social by sharing them with others.
- Celebrate small wins to maintain your enthusiasm.
- Don’t overcommit to too many resolutions. Pick one that nourishes you.
Doves: Resolutions as Compassion
Doves prioritize harmony over hype. Their resolutions typically focus on helping others, such as spending more time with family, volunteering, or promoting peace in daily life. However, Doves sometimes neglect their own needs, letting their resolutions quietly fade away as they care for everyone else.
Sample Dove Resolutions:
- Schedule regular “me time” to recharge without guilt.
- Practice saying “no” when I need to protect my energy.
- Simplify my life—less clutter, fewer obligations, more meaning.
How to make it stick:
- Set at least one goal that’s just for you.
- Express your needs when something is important to you.
- Remind yourself that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s preparation to care for others.
Owls: Resolutions as a Plan
Owls approach the new year like architects with blueprints. They research, organize, and craft detailed plans that make the rest of us seem impulsive. However, Owls can spend so much time perfecting their plans that they either delay taking action or abandon their goals altogether when things don’t feel perfect.
Sample Owl Resolutions:
- Seek excellence, not perfection.
- Celebrate progress along the way instead of waiting until projects are finished.
- Express emotions more openly.
How to make it stick:
- Start before you feel ready, as sometimes clarity comes through action.
- Set deadlines for decisions, not just results.
- Track habits daily for measurable growth.
The Resolution That Fits You
New Year’s resolutions fail when they go against your personality. They succeed when they align with it. The key is to create goals that align with your nature.
Eagle resolutions should focus on results. Parrot resolutions should be full of excitement about a new vision of themselves or their life. Dove resolutions should be rooted in compassion. Owl resolutions should have structure and measurable progress.
When your resolutions genuinely reflect who you are, they will guide you to become your best self.
About Merrick Rosenberg
Merrick Rosenberg is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality framework and author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You. As an award-winning speaker and founder of Take Flight Learning, Merrick has helped hundreds of thousands of people unlock the power of personality styles to transform their communication, leadership, and relationships. He’s on a mission to make self-awareness accessible, fun, and unforgettable.
