By Sandra Rowell: Associate of DISCsimple
The 2026 Resolution Rebels: Which DISC Style Actually Sticks to Their New Year Goals?
(We checked millions of profiles… well, sort of.)
Welcome to January; the time for fresh starts, big plans, gym sign-ups, 10,000 steps a day and colour-coded planners to start the year with a bang.
And, according to our scientifically questionable but highly entertaining DISCsimple research study (conducted over several cups of coffee and enough snacks to fuel an S-type for a week)…
We have officially discovered which DISC style sticks to New Year’s resolutions the longest.
Yes, after “reviewing” millions of imaginary profiles, analysing complex behavioural patterns, and interrogating several biscuits… the winner is… THE C-STYLE.
Why the C?
Because the C-style doesn’t even START the resolution until the plan, the process, and the spreadsheet are perfect. And, by the time that’s all ready, it’s already March. So technically, they haven’t broken anything… yet!
But before we dive into why the Cs “win,” let’s take a tour of how EVERY style approaches New Year’s resolutions; at least according to our 100% unofficial, slightly cheeky DISC investigation.
D-STYLE: “NEW YEAR, NEW DOMINATION.”
How they set goals:
Boldly in CAPITAL LETTERS.
How they stick to resolutions:
They don’t “stick”… they DECLARE.
Their resolution is more of a challenge to the world.
Day 1: Strong start.
Day 6: They’re bored.
Day 8: They’ve moved on to something bigger.
Day 12: They’ve created a new goal.
Day 15: They convince everyone else that their goals were the wrong ones anyway.
What our imaginary data shows:
0% guilt when abandoning a resolution.
100% belief that it was the resolution’s fault.
I-STYLE: “NEW YEAR, NEW EXCITING IDEAS!”
How they set goals:
With glitter, colour pens, and probably an elaborate Canva board
How they stick to resolutions:
Day 1: Motivated.
Day 2: Posting about it.
Day 5: Cheering others on.
Day 9: Distracted by something shiny.
Day 12: Starts a new resolution because “this one feels more aligned.”
Day 14: Forgot there WAS a resolution.
Day 29: Accidentally joins someone else’s challenge.
What our imaginary data shows:
Most likely to have 8 unfinished goals and yet still somehow feel optimistic.
S-STYLE: “NEW YEAR, NEW… LET’S EASE INTO IT.”
How they set goals:
Gently. With care. With emotional thoughtfulness.
And ideally, after checking how everyone else feels about it.
How they stick to resolutions:
Day 1: Creates a realistic plan.
Day 3: Worries it might be too disruptive.
Day 7: Adjusts to make it more comfortable.
Day 10: Helps three other people with THEIR resolutions.
Day 18: Forgets their own because they’re too busy supporting the world.
What our imaginary data shows:
0 broken resolutions because they quietly adapt their goal into something achievable and kind. (They’re the peacemakers, after all.)
C-STYLE: “NEW YEAR, NEW SYSTEM. NEW CHECKLIST. NEW SPREADSHEET.”
How they set goals:
They don’t.
Not until the research is complete.
How they stick to resolutions:
Day 1–10: Analysing.
Day 11–20: Creating a process flow.
Day 21–30: Auditing the plan.
Day 31: Official Start Date.
Day 32: Already outperforming everyone.
What our imaginary data shows:
The highest success rate because if you don’t start until the 31st of January, you’re technically still perfect.
C-styles are simply playing behavioural chess.
And winning.
The “Official” (not official) Ranking of Resolution Success
Based on our extremely questionable but fun DISC Resolution Index
| Rank | Style | Reason |
| 1st | C-Style | Keeps the resolution alive through flawless planning and delayed start dates. |
| 2nd | S-Style | Quiet consistency, gentle pacing, and adjusting goals without telling anyone. |
| 3rd | D-Style | Wins early, burns hot, fizzles fast — but never admits defeat. |
| 4th | I-Style | Has the MOST FUN even while forgetting every resolution they made. |
So, what does this mean for 2026?
New Year goals are not about perfection.
They are about DISC-aligned strategies.
When we understand our style, we choose goals that WORK for us; not against us.
D-Styles need challenge + quick wins.
I-Styles need fun + flexibility.
S-Styles need support + steady routines.
C-Styles need structure + clarity.
When goals meet natural behaviour, success skyrockets.
And that’s the real lesson behind our playful “data.”
So, whether you’re a D sprinting ahead, an I bouncing ideas around, an S supporting everyone, or a C crafting the perfect plan; –
The best resolution is the one shaped by who you truly are.
And DISC helps you do exactly that.
Happy 2026 and may your resolutions last longer than the leftover Christmas chocolates!