Why I’m Choosing Goals Over Resolutions This Year
As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting once again on the idea of resolutions—and why they’ve never quite worked for me. Resolutions have developed a reputation for being short-lived, something we almost expect to break. There’s an unspoken assumption that they won’t last, which feels counterintuitive. Why set an intention if we’re already bracing ourselves for failure?
As we leave 2025 behind, I think it’s important to pause and consider how we are leaving the year. For some, it may have been an incredible year filled with growth and joy. For others, it may have been heavy, painful, or deeply challenging. For most of us, it was probably a mixture of both—moments of happiness intertwined with moments of sadness or struggle.
Reflecting on the past year means acknowledging what went well and recognizing what caused us hardship. But reflection doesn’t mean getting stuck. We can’t change the past, and staying tied to it—along with the emotions attached to it—keeps us from moving forward. What matters most is this: we’re still here. We made it through. And along the way, we likely learned lessons that can guide us into the future.
As we move into 2026, let’s focus less on resolutions and more on meaningful, intentional goals. Think about both big goals and small ones—we need both to stay motivated and grounded. The key is specificity. It’s not just “going to the gym,” it’s joining now and committing to showing up at least three times a week. It’s not just “reading more,” it’s deciding to read two books a month and purchasing the first two today. It’s not simply “saving more money,” but creating a clear savings plan and putting it into action now.
Whatever goals you set, be specific and challenge yourself to follow through. These goals should stretch you—but still be realistic and achievable.
You might consider setting goals in areas such as personal development, mental health, physical health, finances, spirituality, relationships, career, and community involvement. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a great starting point and can help bring clarity and direction.
Finally, write your goals down. Put them somewhere you’ll see them every day. Commit to reviewing them weekly and checking in on your progress. Goals aren’t achieved by intention alone—they require planning and accountability. Whether you hold yourself accountable or invite someone else into the process, don’t let that become a barrier. Make a plan, believe in your ability to succeed, and move forward with purpose.
About the Author
Cindy Wallace is a licensed therapist who works with individuals navigating life transitions, emotional growth, and intentional change. She is passionate about helping clients move beyond surface-level goals toward sustainable habits that support mental, emotional, and relational well-being.
