If You Don’t Like New Year’s Resolutions, Try This Instead

I love New Year's Resolutions.  But not everyone does. If the words New Year’s Resolutions make you feel tired, pressured, or inadequate, you’re not alone. Many of us have learned the hard way that big goals made in January don’t always last past February. But that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.

It usually just means the approach doesn’t fit your life.  So if you fall into that camp but still want to make progress this year, try this instead.

Step 1: Look Back with Gratitude

Before making plans for 2026, take a few minutes to look at the past year.

Ask yourself:

• What did I learn about myself this year?
• How did I grow--even in small ways?
• What turned out differently than I expected?
• What matters more to me now than it did a year ago?

Start with gratitude--even if the year was hard. Growth often comes wrapped in difficulty.

Step 2: Make Space Before You Add More

In January, we often think about adding new goals without letting go of what isn't working for us anymore.  It's like bringing in a new couch for your family room without moving the old one out first.  There isn't any space.

Ask yourself:

• What expectations can I let go of? Are these unrealistic?
• What habits, pressures, or “shoulds” am I ready to let go of? If you're thinking in the form of "shoulds," that often doesn't turn into action.

Sometimes the most powerful reset isn’t pushing harder--it’s actually choosing to do less.

Step 3: Choose Intentions Instead of Goals

Goals are usually about results.  They focus on what you want to accomplish, achieve, or check off. Intentions are different. 

They focus on how you want to live and how you want to feel each day. So, instead of setting rigid goals, you choose simple, realistic activities to support how you want to feel.

For example:

• If you want more peace, you might want to consider protecting one evening a week that is yours to just relax.
• If you want feel more confident, realize that this comes from believing in yourself enough to taking action--doing the thing you’ve been putting off, even if you’re nervous.

Intentions don’t require you to be perfect.  They just help you make better choices in real life.  And over time, those choices lead to results.

Step 4: Pick One Word for the Year

Every year, I choose a word as my theme.  Two years ago, it was "Yes." Last year, it was "Brave." This year, my word is "Disciplined."  Choosing a word to focus on helps me make decisions that align with who I want to become.  Your word may be "Constant," or "Compassionate." It might even be "Fearless."  What ever word you choose, pick a word that will help give you encouragement this year.

Everyone makes progress differently, and part of the process is figuring out what actually works for you. There isn’t one right way to do this. But whatever you decide, take some kind of action--even a small one.

No matter how you decide to go about it, 2026 is going to be a great year!

 
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