1) Is setting New Year’s resolutions even a good idea?
Resolutions are valuable because they:
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- Encourage reflection: The New Year offers a great opportunity to pause, reflect on the past year, and reset our mindset for the year ahead.
- Provide direction: Setting resolutions force us to define our priorities and our needs, giving us clarity on what matters most.
- Promote healthy habits: Many resolutions focus on self-improvement – whether it’s health, relationships, work, or finances – creating opportunity for long-term positive change.
But they’re not mandatory. Some years, we may feel overwhelmed (think parents with young kids) and we may require a ‘lighter’ approach. In those times, you could focus on a single word (e.g. balance, connection, growth) to guide your decisions and actions throughout the year.
2) Why don’t resolutions work?
There’re a few common mistakes we keep repeating every year…We set resolutions that are
- Too many. ‘I’ll find a more meaningful job, prioritise my mental health and learn a new thing’. Whoa, slow down! You’re overwhelming yourself! Trying to change many things at once – is a recipe for failure! 🙁
- Vague: ‘’I’ll be healthier’’ or ‘’I’ll be a better leader’’ are too broad and leave room for ambiguity! Without a specific target, it’s difficult to stay focused and on track.
- Unrealistic: ‘I’ll meditate every morning’, ‘I’ll pick up my kids from school everyday’ are too big leading to quick discouragement because we can’t meet them from the start. ⚠️ I’m not telling you to avoid ambitious goals, see section 3)!
- Lacking meaningful motivation: Resolutions driven by external pressures – society norms, expectations from others… – don’t stick.
3) How to make your resolutions (and any goal) stick!
Let’s explore some simple tips to maximize your success. These strategies are based on my personal experience, coaching principles, and insights from my clients. In any case, don’t overwhelm yourself with everything—choose what resonates most and give it a try!
1. Pick it meaningful
Ask yourself: How important is this resolution to me? Why have I picked it? If the answer doesn’t feel significant, reconsider your resolution. Change sticks when the goal aligns with our values, needs or passions. For example, committing to leave work by 6.30pm twice a week for family dinners BECAUSE you need to reconnect with them, or to take on a new development program BECAUSE you feel the need for growth this year.
2. Less is more: Focus on one goal at the time!
Once you’ve selected your intentions, pick just one – the easiest to achieve, the most impactful…you decide! Focus all your energy on that single goal! One client told me that this year she started by committing to exercising 5 times a week. Only after making it a habit did she move on to her next goal: reading one book per month. .
3. Make it fun!
Life is tough enough – don’t make your resolutions feel like a punishment. Make them enjoyable! For instance, if your goal is to say ‘No’ more often, turn it into a game where you challenge yourself to say no three times a day! Want to exercise? Choose an activity you actually enjoy – whether it’s playing padel with friends, taking dance classes, or going for power walks with your teen…When it’s fun, you’ll stick with it!
4. Make it SMART: (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound)
Yes, the old-school corporate acronym still works when it comes to setting achievable goals. What do you find more actionable?
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’Set stronger boundaries’ or ‘In 3 months, finish work by 6PM three days a week to focus on personal projects.’
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Disconnect’ or ‘Leave my computer in the office 3 evenings per week and charge my phone outside my bedroom at night by end of the month’
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‘Be more efficient’ or ‘In a month, at 6.30pm every workday, reflect on the day’s achievements and plan my 3 priorities for the next day’’
A SMART goal helps you stay focused and track progress!
5. Break it down: Take small steps toward your goal
A goal can feel overwhelming – like staring at a mountain from the base. Break them into smaller, manageable steps and you’ll progress at a pace that feels achievable and build confidence with each step! For example, if your goal is to change jobs…make it less daunting with mini-goals like:
- Step 1 (January): Identify 10 companies and 10 roles that align with your career goals
- Step 2 (February): Update your CV, have it reviewed by 3 trusted advisors and tailor it for specific roles
- Step 3 (March): Apply to 5 roles and join one networking event each week
Similarly, don’t commit to a full hour of running if you’re new to it!! Instead start with 20-minute runs and gradually build up! It makes it less intimidating!
6. Get support: Don’t go it alone
As we say: ‘Alone we go faster, together we go further!’ Share your goals, progress, and struggles, and embrace the encouragement from your community! Whether it’s a workout buddy, a friend, a mentor, or a coach (like me 😉), having someone to join you, support and hold you accountable makes all the difference. Accountability is one of the most powerful tools in sticking to a goal, but some people don’t like to be told what to do. If it resonates with you – structure your support in ways that feel empowering. For example: set up your check-ins (calendar reminders, quick & frequent progress messages to your coach), choose a buddy with similar goals to share the process.
7. Integrate resolutions into your daily routine – but stay flexible
Lasting change isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about creating habits that fit into your life…how?
- Use habit stacking: Tie a new routine to an existing one (like morning coffee, brushing your teeth…). For example, deep breathing exercises right after brushing your teeth, or drinking water with your morning coffee.
- Make your environment work for you: Surround yourself with cues to succeed. For instance, keep fresh fruit and healthy snacks visible, and hide junk food, lay out your workout clothes the night before, or place water glasses where you’ll see them- Plan & schedule: Block time in your calendar for your new habits, just like you would for a meeting.
If you get bored with routine, keep things fresh by regularly trying new ways (different activities, timelines, buddies, locations) to achieve your main goals.
Finally, stay flexible. Unexpected things happen, and that’s okay! Missed a day? Don’t feel guilty—just pick up where you left off. Why not even build in exceptions or alternatives? For example, if it’s raining, swap your outdoor run for a pilates session at home. Adaptability is key to long-term success!
- Track your progress & celebrate small wins
As you know. I’m a big fan of celebrations! It’s a fun way to acknowledge how far we’ve come: a special treat, a day off, a box of chocolate, a party with your support team! Reward yourself for your achievements! To do so you need to track your progress! Whether it’s through a calendar, a habit tracker app, or a spreadsheet, track your efforts regularly. This will keep you engaged!
Conclusion
The key to making your resolutions stick is finding what works for you – whether it’s focusing on what truly matters, breaking big goals down, getting support, or celebrating your wins. If you’re looking for expert guidance, Wellbeing Your Potential is here to help. We offer coaching that prioritises your wellbeing to support both personal and professional long-term growth. Let’s work together to make 2025 your most fulfilling year!
What about my resolution!? Q1 is about finishing work by 6.30pm every night to have personal & family fun activities before dinner time – exceptions apply if I have a critical deadline on the next day – share with my kids so they can knock at my door at 6.30pm!
Share yours with us, we would love to know!
