New Year’s Resolutions/Goals

It seems like, for some people, the setting of goals each year went away. There are always those people that make and even keep their resolutions for the new year. Now, and for the past few years, goal setting seems to be coming back for more people. If you are interested in New Year’s Resolutions/Goals, making your life better and more fulfilling, keep reading.

NOTE: Below you will find examples-free downloads for goal setting.

Statistics show that most people that make goals and resolutions quit or give up by the end of January. Only about 9 percent follow through. As an educator, we used George T. Doran’s SMART goal concept. I can’t say it was always fun to fill out those forms, however it really spelled out just what was going to happen, how it would be achieved and when it was going to be completed. This is one idea for those of you who struggle setting and keeping goals.

George T. Doran’s SMART Goal:

S– Specific-make your goal very specific-example: I will put $100.00 away for my child each month for college or trade school. Maybe you can afford more, maybe less. The key is to start and be consistent here.

M-Measurable-can I measure the success?-example: the account I will open in my child’s name will grow by $100.00 each month and by the end of the year will be over $1,200.00.

A-Achievable-set goals you know you can achieve, this will help you continue and build consistency for later goals that may be harder to achieve-example: $25.00 a week will go into child’s account. This is $3.33 every day (pack a lunch, don’t stop at Starbuck’s-I don’t want to hurt Starbuck’s business or any other but, you have a goal here 😊, don’t order the fries, if you eat at a fast-food restaurant, take shorter showers and turn the air conditioner up or the heater down a couple degrees, cut back on buying extras at the grocery store, eat at home, buy store brands instead of name brands, quick snacking (that will help you be more healthy, too)-many ways to cut back $3.33 a day.

R-Relevant-set goals that are important to you-relevant to your life-example: it is important to me that I am able to help my child pay for some of his/her college or trade school.

T-Time-Give yourself a deadline-example: by the end of the year, there will be more than $1200.00 in my child’s bank account (more because of a tiny bit of interest-or if you are good with stocks, open up a fund on your own or with a broker).

New Year’s Resolutions/Goals can be hard to keep, here are some reasons:

1. Unrealistic Goals

• Setting overly ambitious or unattainable resolutions can lead to frustration and burnout. Small bites, people.
• Example: Deciding to lose 50 pounds in a month or completely change one’s diet overnight. Ask yourself, is this sustainable long-term?

2. Lack of Specificity

• Vague resolutions like “get fit” or “save money” lack clear direction, this makes it hard to track progress. Break your goals down into smaller chunks.
• Specific, measurable goals (e.g., “exercise for 30 minutes three times a week”) is a more effective way to state a goal.

3. No Actionable Plan

• People often focus on the end result without creating a detailed plan to achieve it. Break the steps down using the SMART plan or your own. What will work for you?
• Breaking the goal into smaller, manageable steps will increase the chances of success.

4. Loss of Motivation

• Initial enthusiasm fades if progress is slow or setbacks occur. Also, we are all human. If you don’t hit the weekly goal-start again the next day. (in the “child’s education fund goal”-do a few extra, money saving things to catch up)
• Resolutions often require consistent effort, and many give up when they don’t see immediate results. This is so true, especially in losing weight-for me and many others.

5. Lack of Support

• Without encouragement or accountability, it’s easier to abandon a resolution.
• Sharing goals with friends, joining a group, or having a coach can provide motivation.
• With one caution: do not choose someone to be your support that may not actually support and encourage you. Some people are good at saying, that is too much of a goal for you, you can’t do that, that is a waste of time-don’t choose those people.

6. Overwhelmed by Too Many Goals

• Trying to tackle too many changes at once will be overwhelming and may lead to failure.
• Focusing on one or two top goals at a time is more sustainable.

7. External Pressures

• Resolutions made to please others rather than for personal reasons are harder to maintain.
• Motivation must come from within to sustain long-term commitment (intrinsic motivation).

8. Lack of Progress Tracking

• Without monitoring progress, it’s easy to lose sight of your achievements and feel discouraged.
• Regular check-ins and celebrating small wins can help maintain momentum.

9. Negative Self-Talk

• People often criticize themselves for slip-ups, which can lead to a cycle of guilt and giving up. Don’t do this to yourself-keep trying until you make it! Repeat to yourself, I Never Give Up!, I Can Do This!, I Can Do Hard Things!
• A more compassionate mindset allows for learning from mistakes and moving forward. Which really, isn’t this the ultimate goal: learning from goals, successes and failures and keep moving forward to be a better, stronger person who is more in control of yourself and a success?

10. Timing

• Starting a major change during a busy or stressful time (e.g., the holidays or post-holiday recovery) can set people up for failure. One reason, for me, that January is a good time is: a new year is a new beginning. I have also had a down week: not much required of me from December 26th to December 30th-time to rest, recover and plan.
• Some goals may be better pursued at a different time of year. If I were an accountant, tax season would not be optimal for starting new goals.

Strategies to Stick to New Year’s Resolutions/Goals:

• Make goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-set).
• Start small and build gradually.
• Focus on intrinsic motivation.
• Establish a routine and set reminders.
• Reflect on progress regularly and adjust goals as needed.
• Seek support and accountability.

Consistency and a forgiving attitude toward setbacks can make a huge difference in achieving New Year’s resolutions (on January 1st or June 1st-whenever you set goals). Chances are you will have setbacks but, just try again. As the saying goes, you need to get back up one more time than you fall. Just try again tomorrow until it sticks! You can do this!!

Books I enjoyed and have motivated me:

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Think Better Live Better by Joel Osteen

Make Your Own Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven

Get Out Of Your Own Way by David Hollis

Best Self and One Decision by Mike Bayer

*Keep Reading Inspirational Books! This keeps you in that growth mindset!

I would love to hear your favorites-comment below 😊

Journaling pages:

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