As the new year approaches, the familiar cycle begins once again. We get excited about trying new things, setting fresh objectives, and crafting our New Year’s resolutions! Yet, just a few weeks in (or sometimes just a few days), those ambitions often fade away. Let’s be honest—how many of those resolutions truly last?
For me, resolutions have been more of a hassle than a help. Despite this, I’ve always made them, with my top resolution typically revolving around weight loss. Spoiler alert: I’ve never succeeded in fulfilling a resolution in the 19 years I’ve been making them.
This year, I’m taking a different approach. No resolutions for me—none at all! I’m not against the tradition, but I prefer to invest my time and energy in something that can truly make a difference. Instead, I’m focusing on actionable steps that lead to meaningful lifestyle changes.
Create S.M.A.R.T. Goals, Not Just Resolutions
Some might say that New Year’s resolutions and goal-setting are one and the same, but they’re not quite alike. Resolutions often feel like mere wishes or hopes, while S.M.A.R.T. goals provide a structured approach to achieving real change.
S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based. By crafting your plans with these principles in mind, you set yourself up for success. Let’s take a look at my old resolution: This year, I’m going to lose weight.
- Specific: Saying “lose weight” lacks clarity. What actions will I take? Will I exercise more or make healthier food choices? Without specifics, it’s all too vague.
- Measurable: A weight loss goal can be difficult to quantify. When you have a lot to lose, a pound a week can feel insignificant if you don’t define your success metrics.
- Attainable: If I aimed to lose 75 pounds in six months, that would require losing over 12 pounds a month. For most people, this is unrealistic without extensive resources like a personal trainer.
- Time-Based: Simply stating that I would “lose weight this year” doesn’t provide a clear timeline. Should I start now, or is it okay to wait until after the holidays?
Clearly, there’s a significant difference between setting traditional New Year’s resolutions and taking actionable steps toward genuine lifestyle changes. And it’s vital to remember: even if plans don’t pan out as expected, that’s okay.
This Year (And Beyond), I’m Moving Beyond Traditions
Whoever came up with the idea of New Year’s resolutions probably didn’t foresee the stress they could cause. What should be a time for setting positive intentions often leads to frustration. The truth is, it’s perfectly fine if resolutions don’t resonate with you.
You don’t have to make resolutions at all—this realization took me nearly two decades to understand. Growing up in a culture that equates self-worth with productivity can lead to misguided beliefs.
If making resolutions brings you happiness, go for it! But if they become a source of self-criticism, it’s time to let them go. The goal is to enhance your life, not to create more pressure.
Now, I’m off to create plans centered around mental health advocacy, body positivity, and being the best parent I can be.
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Summary
This article emphasizes shifting from traditional New Year’s resolutions to creating S.M.A.R.T. goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based. It highlights the importance of actionable plans over vague resolutions, encouraging readers to prioritize what truly matters in their lives, whether that’s mental health, self-acceptance, or parenting.
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