Set New Year’s Resolutions That Stick

Happy New Year! (Or whatever time of year you’re reading this.) My daughter has gone home after the holidays, and my husband, son, and I are resting after several days in the snowy mountains. We are also starting to think about our goals for the coming year. If you’re like most people, you are, too.

Before you jump into setting those New Year’s resolutions, take a step back and think about how your New Year’s resolutions usually go. As most of us have experienced, setting a goal just because it’s January first isn’t enough to make it stick. That’s not because resolutions are bad, but if you want to reach health, career, or even relationship goals, it’s best to make your resolutions more meaningful and specific. 

So how do you make sure that happens? Start by asking yourself these three questions: 

1. What habits would make the biggest positive impact on my daily life? We tend to overestimate how much we need to do to reach our goal. Instead, think about which habits will give you the biggest return!
2. What’s held me back in the past from taking action? This isn’t to beat yourself up – it’s to get ahead of challenges before they pop up. If there’s something that keeps getting in your way, now is your chance to acknowledge it and make a plan to tackle it.
3. How does this goal align with my core values? When your goals reflect what’s truly important to you, you’re much more likely to stick with them. For example, if family is a core value, frame your health goals around being there for the people you care about.

If you can answer these questions, you’ll end up with resolutions you’re actually excited about. Not just right now… But even in a month, two months, or even six months from now - long after almost everyone else has given up.

So, take some time to reflect on your answers to these questions. If you can, write them down and refine your resolutions from there. Here’s to making 2025 your best year yet!