Setting Meaningful New Year Resolutions and Goals

    As the year draws to a close, it’s natural for us to reflect on the past and contemplate the future. The start of a new year brings with it a sense of renewal and the opportunity to make positive changes in our lives. New Year resolutions and goals serve as guiding principles that help us strive for personal growth and self-improvement. I am sure we have all tried to create some change in our lives whether it be increasing productivity, sleeping more, going to the gym, or spending less screen time. On that note, we have also reflected on how far we have come once those goals were set yet for others, how far behind we fell. Therefore, I wanted to touch upon the importance of setting those meaningful goals as we approach the start of a new year. 

      Reflecting on the Past. Before diving into the process of setting resolutions and goals, it’s crucial to take a moment to reflect on the past year. What were the highlights and challenges? What lessons did you learn? Understanding where you have been will help you establish a clear vision of where you want to go. Throughout the year, it’s important to remember that setbacks are a natural part of any journey towards self-improvement. If you stumble along the way, don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Assess what went wrong, make adjustments if necessary, and continue moving forward with renewed determination. Learn from your past experiences and let them push you forward in reaching your goals. 

      Setting Meaningful Resolutions. Resolutions are powerful commitments to change. Instead of making generic resolutions that are easily forgotten, focus on setting meaningful ones that align with your values and aspirations. Ask yourself what aspects of your life you would like to improve or change. Whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, enhancing personal relationships, or pursuing a new hobby or career, choose resolutions that genuinely resonate with you. Once you have identified your resolutions, it’s time to break them down into actionable goals. Following the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) framework can help you create well-defined goals that are more likely to be accomplished. For example, if your resolution is to get fit, a SMART goal could be to exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week, for the next three months. By breaking down your goal, you realize how much easier it is to achieve. 

      Prioritizing and Planning. With a list of goals in hand, it’s essential to prioritize them based on their importance and feasibility. Trying to tackle too many goals at once can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Select a few key goals to focus on and create a realistic plan to achieve them. Break down each goal into smaller, manageable tasks and assign deadlines to keep yourself accountable. Sharing your resolutions and goals with others can help create a sense of accountability too. Consider finding an accountability partner or joining a support group where you can share your progress, challenges, and successes. Having someone to cheer you on and offer guidance can significantly enhance your chances of staying on track. However, it is also important to recognize that although peer support is great, being your own cheerleader is greater. 

      After all, setting meaningful resolutions and goals for the new year is an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Remember, the most important aspect of setting resolutions and goals is to approach them with a mindset of self-compassion and a commitment to continual improvement. Embrace the new year as a fresh start and let it inspire you to become the best version of yourself. Don’t be too hard on yourself; we are all working on and towards something. I am cheering for you… you got this!

Written by: Rachel Garcia; Masters Level Intern at Olive Branch

If you need support, live in the Chicago area, and would like to speak to a professional counselor, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 West 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.