Guest post by David Jackson, 2x Wander Project Ambassador and Charity Bib Athlete
We blinked, and now it’s February! The fresh-start energy of the new year has settled, and if you’re like most people, those big resolutions might already be collecting dust. Studies show that most people quit their New Year’s goals within the first two weeks of January—some even call it “Quitter’s Friday.” The momentum fizzles, life gets in the way, and before you know it, you’ve slipped back into old habits.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to be part of that statistic. It’s never too late to stop, reassess, and start again. If your goals included running a race, giving back, or challenging yourself in a new way, now is the perfect time to get back on track. Have you picked your race yet? Have you chosen a charity to support? If not, there’s still time to take that first step!
The Mindset Shift: Turning Setbacks into Progress
As an ultra runner, I’ve learned that setbacks are inevitable. Somewhere deep into a race, when Negative Nancy starts whispering in my ear, I have to pause, reevaluate, make some adjustments, and start again—usually with much better results and without all the destructive self-talk. Life works the same way. If January didn’t go as planned, don’t beat yourself up. Instead of seeing a misstep as failure, recognize it as part of the journey. The key isn’t to avoid obstacles—it’s to navigate through them with resilience.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Refocus
February is a unique month. It still holds the promise of the new year, but it’s far enough in that you’ve likely faced your first real challenges. Instead of letting those setbacks define your year, use them as a checkpoint. Are you where you wanted to be? Are your goals still aligned with what excites and motivates you? If not, tweak them. Just like in an ultra, sometimes we need to adapt to the conditions rather than stubbornly sticking to a plan that’s not working.
Vacation, Run, Give Back: A Powerful Combination
One of the best ways to reignite your motivation is to set a new goal that excites you. With Wander Project having event partners including Vacation Races, Javelina Jundred, Orca Running, Seven Sisters, AKtive Soles, Denali Ultras you can find an incredible destination, run a race, and support a cause that matters—all in one amazing experience. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about making a difference. Whether you want to fundraise for one of Wander Project’s partner charities or select a nonprofit close to your heart, running with a purpose makes every step more meaningful.
Imagine toeing the start line of a race just outside a breathtaking national park, knowing that each mile you cover is making an impact. The experience becomes bigger than just personal achievement—it becomes about community, about giving back, and about creating lasting change.
How to Reset and Move Forward
So, how do you get back on track if you’ve fallen off course? Here are a few simple steps:
- Reassess Your Why – Remind yourself why you set this goal in the first place. Is it still important to you? If so, reconnect with that purpose.
- Make Small Adjustments – If your initial plan was too ambitious or unrealistic, adjust it to fit your current reality. Small, consistent efforts will get you further than sporadic bursts of motivation.
- Find Accountability – Whether it’s a friend, a training group, or a charity team, surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help keep you engaged and inspired.
- Commit to a Race and a Cause – A concrete commitment—like signing up for a race with Wander Project—gives you a target to aim for and a reason to stay motivated.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been thinking about signing up for a race, consider this your sign! Pick your event, choose your charity, and start your journey. And if you’ve already committed—take a moment to check in. Are you training consistently? Have you started fundraising? Need a reset? Now’s the time.
Sign up here to connect with Courtney, she’s Director of Community Engagement and can help you pick the right race, select your favorite charity, and brainstorm how to fundraise!
The year is still young, and your goals are still within reach. Let’s make 2025 a year of purpose, adventure, and giving back—one step at a time.
What race are you signing up for? What cause will you support? Let us know in the comments!