Making Sure Your Goals Are Good: The Problem with New Year’s Resolutions and Why They Go Wrong

Every January 1st, we’re flooded with the promise of a fresh start and a chance to do things better than before. The ball drops, the confetti flies, and the list of New Year’s resolutions begins. But by February (or sometimes just a few weeks into the year), many of those goals have already fallen to the wayside. Sound familiar?

There’s a reason why New Year’s resolutions often don’t stick. It’s not because we don’t want to improve ourselves—it's often because we set goals that are too vague, too ambitious, or not aligned with our true motivations. In this post, we’ll explore why New Year’s goals can go wrong and how to make sure your goals are actually good this year.

The Allure of Big, Bold Resolutions

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new year. We see endless possibilities ahead and want to capitalize on that feeling by setting bold, sweeping resolutions. "I’ll lose 30 pounds," "I’ll read 50 books," "I’ll wake up at 5 a.m. every day."

The problem with these kinds of resolutions is that they can be so large and broad that they’re nearly impossible to achieve. Without a concrete plan or specific steps, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged, which leads to giving up.

Why Do New Year’s Goals Fail?

1. Lack of Specificity One of the most common mistakes is setting goals that are vague. “Be healthier” is a great sentiment, but it’s not specific enough to guide action. What does being healthier actually look like? Does it mean eating more vegetables, drinking more water, or exercising daily? Without specificity, it’s hard to track progress and stay motivated.

2. Unrealistic Expectations It’s tempting to aim high when setting New Year’s resolutions, but if your goals are too ambitious, they can set you up for failure. Trying to lose a significant amount of weight in a short period or committing to a radical lifestyle change without realistic preparation can leave you feeling frustrated when things don’t go as planned.

3. Lack of Accountability Many people set goals on their own without involving others. Having an accountability partner or joining a community that shares similar goals can make a huge difference in staying on track. Without someone to check in with or celebrate wins with, it’s easy to lose momentum.

4. Not Tied to Your Values Goals that aren’t connected to your deeper motivations and values are much harder to achieve. If your resolution is about something you "should" do rather than something you truly care about, it's going to feel like a chore rather than a rewarding journey.

5. Failure to Adjust Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes our goals need to evolve. Sticking rigidly to a resolution that isn’t working or isn’t meaningful anymore can lead to burnout. If you aren’t willing to adjust your approach or let go of goals that aren’t serving you, it’s easy to give up altogether.

   
   

How to Make Sure Your Goals Are Good

1. Make Them Specific and Actionable Instead of setting a broad goal like "get fit," break it down into clear, manageable steps. "Exercise 30 minutes a day, 4 times a week" is specific and measurable. Being able to track your progress helps you stay motivated and adjust as needed.

2. Set Realistic Expectations It’s great to be ambitious, but it’s important to set goals that are within reach. If you want to improve your productivity, start by setting aside 25-30 minutes of focused work at a time, rather than trying to power through long hours without breaks, which can lead to burnout. When you set small, achievable goals, you build momentum over time.

3. Align Goals with Your Values The most effective goals are those that resonate with your core values. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you—whether it's improving your health, growing your career, or cultivating better relationships—and set goals that support these values. The more meaningful your goal, the more likely you are to stay committed.

4. Create a Plan and Be Flexible Once you’ve set your goal, break it down into actionable steps. Create a plan that outlines when, where, and how you’ll work toward it. At the same time, be flexible. Life happens, and some things will be out of your control. Be willing to adjust your plan as needed without abandoning your goal entirely.

5. Get Accountability and Support Share your goals with someone who can help hold you accountable, whether it's a friend, family member, or mentor. You can also find support through online communities or groups with similar goals. Accountability not only helps you stay on track, but it also gives you a chance to celebrate milestones and successes along the way.

6. Review and Reflect Regularly It’s easy to set a goal and forget about it. But regularly checking in with yourself ensures that you’re staying on track. Take time each week or month to assess your progress, reflect on what’s working, and make adjustments where necessary.

   
   

Final Thoughts

The key to successful New Year’s resolutions isn’t in creating a laundry list of goals—it’s about making sure your goals are specific, achievable, and meaningful to you. Instead of aiming for a complete overhaul, focus on small, manageable changes that build over time. And remember, self-improvement is a journey, not a race.

By taking a more mindful, intentional approach to your goals, you’ll not only increase your chances of success, but you’ll also enjoy the process of becoming the best version of yourself.

Are you ready to set meaningful goals this year? Start small, stay consistent, and remember that every step counts.