As you reflect on 2025 and contemplate how you want 2026 to look, I want to share some thoughts on New Year's resolutions and why they are typically forgotten before the haze of the holidays has worn off. And, more importantly, how to achieve that “New Year, New You” vision we all start with.

First, and most importantly, do not focus only on the outcome you want to achieve. Instead, think about the type of person who has already achieved the outcome, and what sort of habits, practices, and steps they have taken daily to live that outcome. It’s not about achieving something; it’s about changing who you are to be the sort of person that naturally achieves that thing.

Here’s an example: imagine you want to lose a few pounds. Ok, perhaps more than a few. Don’t focus only on the number on the scale (metric) you want to see change. Instead, really think about what sort of person naturally weighs what you want to weigh and what they do daily to be that way. They probably eat organic, healthy foods and turn their nose up at fatty snacks and soda. They probably habitually go to the gym and get good exercise. They probably get plenty of sleep. They probably have a deep-rooted curiosity about healthy lifestyles. They probably have some community around them supporting their healthy decisions, or at least someone to talk to about their lifestyle. Emulate them, take on their habits, and the outcome naturally follows.

This was a big one for me. I’d start a new program or try to make a significant change and set a goal. Things would go great for a few weeks (or months), but then, inevitably, I’d hit a snag. Oh, the office has donuts, and my friends are teasing me for not trying one. There’s a new sushi restaurant I’ve been eyeing forever, and we finally go. Bam. Months of discipline broken in an instant of weakness. This happens, it’s normal, it’s ok. Nobody is perfect. It’s what happens next that matters most! What I used to do is say, “Well, this week is blown, might as well start over on Monday.” Or worse, I’d give up and say “well that didn’t work, again” and be all sad. The better response is to acknowledge the slip, reflect on why it happened, identify what triggered it, and figure out what you will do differently next time. And then, most importantly, you get right back on track. Not next week, not maybe someday in the future. Not tomorrow. Right now, you are back on program – a better, wiser person for the lesson.

Often, we start a new lifestyle or habit just because we think we should, or because someone once said we should. Perhaps this really is something you should do. But if you want this new habit to stick, to really weather through the temptations to give up, you have to know WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU. Think about how achieving this new goal will affect your life. Reflect on what your life will be like if you don’t achieve it. Really explore this, take it to extremes. Think about how this goal aligns with who you are as a person, and how you prioritize the various aspects of your life - your Core Values. Once you connect “Finally lose those 20 extra pounds this year” to your core values and identity, and can anticipate all the good that will come of being that 20 pound lighter person, there is little chance you’ll give up on a whim.

Most people write down New Year’s resolutions. Some people even quantify the outcomes they want to achieve and consider a plan to get there. But the best results will be achieved if you have a systematic plan and a way to track not only your progress towards that measurable result, but also the habits you are practicing to get there. Better yet, if there is a way to easily see your progress and habits visually, remind you of your WHY, and be crystal clear about any deviations from your plan. Ideally, your system would also include a mechanism for reflection and iterative improvement of your plan. And, some sort of accountability-partnering and community around achieving your goals would be ideal.

Not coincidently at all... This is why we built GoalMindr - the next-generation Goal accomplishment machine built precisely to help people “level up” and support one another while doing so!