Episode #186: 2017-Three Day Trainwreck

Why Do Our Resolutions Fade After Just Three Days?

In Japan, there’s a saying — “三日坊主 (mikka bozu),” which describes someone who quits after just three days of commitment. At the start of the year, we’re full of enthusiasm and lofty goals. Yet by day three or month three, many find their motivation fading. What causes this? And how can business professionals and leaders sustain their drive in the long term?

Summary: Most people fail not because of lack of goals, but because of unrealistic expectations and missing the discipline of follow-through.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Ambition often burns bright at the start, but when reality hits, we can recalibrate rather than quit. Instead of an “all or nothing” approach, break goals into realistic, achievable steps. Progress compounds.

Ask yourself:

• What small wins can I achieve this week?

• How can I build momentum by succeeding on the basics?

Mini-Summary: Reframing setbacks as learning points keeps motivation sustainable.

Many professionals feel pressure from social media, colleagues, or “gurus” promoting massive goals. But as Dale Carnegie Tokyo’s leadership programs emphasize, success comes from self-awareness and consistency — not imitation. Each of us has a unique path and pace.

The Japanese proverb “急がば回れ” (slow and steady wins the race) applies here. Focus on your journey, your rhythm, and your progress.

Mini-Summary: Confidence grows from internal benchmarks, not external comparisons.

Legendary coach Vince Lombardi said, “Football is about blocking and tackling.” Similarly, in business, success depends on mastering the basics. At Dale Carnegie Tokyo, we help leaders rediscover the fundamentals of communication, relationship building, and mindset.

Try this exercise:
Take 10 minutes, write “The Basics” in the center of a page, and surround it with key principles of your business success — teamwork, communication, follow-up, etc. Then prioritize them. This clarity becomes your roadmap for sustained achievement.

Mini-Summary: When you focus on the basics, progress becomes predictable and success inevitable.

As Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” The real test of leadership is resilience — the ability to recover, recalibrate, and restart. Whether you’re in your third day, third week, or third month, remember: it ain’t over till it’s over.

Mini-Summary: Persistence — not perfection — defines leadership strength.

• “Mikka bozu” moments happen to everyone — the key is to reset, not retreat.

• Focus on achievable milestones and celebrate small victories.

• Ignore comparison; progress is personal.

• Recommit to the basics — they create lasting success.

• Build resilience through daily discipline and reflection.

Founded in the United States in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has been empowering professionals around the world for over a century through its proven programs in leadership, sales, presentation skills, executive coaching, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

Since opening our Tokyo office in 1963, we have supported countless Japanese and multinational companies in strengthening their people through leadership training, sales training, and presentation training.

Whether you are an executive, entrepreneur, or team leader, we help you go beyond “three days” and build the lasting habits that lead to lifelong success.