Tom Rowland | 5 Ways to Eliminate Roadblocks | Ep. 829

Tom Rowland, world-class fishing guide, entrepreneur, CrossFit athlete, and host of The Tom Rowland Podcast, shares a strategic approach to New Year's resolutions that starts in November — not January. As the first cool fronts of the season arrive and anglers think about winter fishing patterns, Tom reveals five specific ways to eliminate roadblocks that cause most resolutions to fail by February or March. This isn't about willpower or motivation. It's about removing the obstacles before they appear, communicating with the people in your life, and starting small so that by January 1st, you're already building momentum instead of scrambling to figure out the basics.

Why Gyms Make Their Money in January

Tom opens with a striking observation about the business model behind fitness centers. Gyms understand human psychology better than most people realize — they count on the January rush of New Year's resolution makers who sign up for annual memberships, show up enthusiastically for a few weeks, and then disappear by February or March while continuing to pay. It's not cynical; it's simply the pattern that plays out year after year. Tom reflects on his own experience with resolutions that didn't stick, identifying common roadblocks that derail even the most well-intentioned goals. The solution isn't more willpower or better intentions — it's systematically removing obstacles before they can stop you. Tom breaks down the roadblock pattern starting at 1:12.

Setting the Goal in November, Not December

The fifth strategy Tom identifies is to set your goal now — in November — rather than waiting until the final days of December or January 1st. Whether you want to lose a specific amount of weight, change a behavior, hit the gym five days a week, join a new gym, or run a marathon, defining that goal early gives you time to create meaning around it in your own life. You have weeks to think about why it matters, what success looks like, and how it fits into your broader vision. This isn't about making a quick decision in the excitement of New Year's Eve. It's about thoughtful planning that transforms a wish into a commitment. Tom explains the importance of early goal-setting at 2:18.

Communicating Your Goal to Family and Loved Ones

Coming in at number four is communication — telling the people in your life what your goal is and how they can be supportive. Tom asks the critical question: Is this going to be a big surprise when January 1st arrives and you suddenly announce you want to get your black belt in karate, run a marathon, start jujitsu, or commit to a demanding training schedule? Or can you have that conversation now, in November, so your family and loved ones can prepare, set aside time, and understand how this goal will enhance rather than strain your relationships? This step eliminates the friction that comes when goals conflict with existing commitments and expectations. When everyone knows what's coming, they can adjust together. Tom reveals why early communication changes everything at 2:48.

Setting the Schedule and Acquiring Knowledge Before You Start

Number three is setting the schedule — the specific times you'll work on your goal. If you're planning to go to the gym five days a week, what time will you go? Does your wife or husband need to know about this schedule? Will it enhance your life or create more strain at home? Tom emphasizes that all of these adjustments can happen in November, giving you time to find the right time slot and make it work for everyone. Number two is knowledge: Is there something you need to learn, or someone you need to meet to be successful? If you're going to the gym five days a week starting January 1st, do you know which gym? Have you been inside? Do you have a membership? Do you need to meet a trainer or connect with a running club? All of these things can be laid out well in advance so you're not scrambling on New Year's Day. Tom walks through the scheduling and knowledge steps at 3:18.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I love New Year's resolutions because they give us a convenient time to reflect on where we are and make changes when lots of other people are doing the same thing. There's a collective energy around it. But I've watched so many people fail at resolutions — and I've failed at some myself — that I started looking for the common patterns. What I realized is that the roadblocks are predictable. They're not mysterious forces that derail us. They're practical obstacles we can see coming and plan around.

The five strategies I share in this episode aren't complicated, but they require you to think ahead and start early. When the first cool air of the season hits and you start thinking about winter fishing patterns, that's your cue to also think about your goals for the next year. Set them now. Talk about them with your family. Figure out the logistics. Acquire the knowledge you need. And then start small — so small that it doesn't feel like a big commitment.

Whether you're planning to hit the gym five days a week, run a marathon, learn a new skill, or change a behavior, this system works. Give yourself the gift of preparation and momentum. Listen to the whole thing and start planning your most successful year yet.