This year, like many others, I created a pretty ambitious New Year’s resolutions list. I was proud of it and excited to see what I could accomplish. By December 31st, I had completed it… or so I thought.
It’s the first week of January, and I’ve already set that list aside. Why? Because from the very first day, I realized I had set myself up for disappointment. My goals were not only unrealistic, but after attempting the first few, I discovered they didn’t align with who I am. My intention was never to set myself up for failure, but when I honestly evaluated each goal, I had to admit that some simply weren’t right for me. I can only be my authentic, imperfect self and that’s okay.
When setting goals, it’s important to consider your limitations and be honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve and what you’re willing to commit to. Goals that truly resonate with you will feel motivating and come naturally because you genuinely want to accomplish them.
Pursuing goals that don’t fit can be frustrating, and repeated attempts at things that aren’t right for you can leave you feeling discouraged. The purpose of this reflection is simple: be honest with yourself when creating goals. If a goal doesn’t feel achievable or aligned with your life, it may be better to rethink it rather than push forward out of obligation.
If you still want to create a resolutions list or continue following the one you already made, think of it as a guideline, not a rulebook. Let it inspire you without controlling your life or your self-worth. If you ever feel burdened or stressed by it, it’s perfectly okay to set it aside and try again later. After all, goal-setting is a tool for growth, not a measure of your value.
I always thought making small goals is better than trying for that one big one. Something like drink more water and after a few months you can say I like to stop eating desserts. Instead of saying lose 50lbs by end of year. I think if you make small changes the big one will come later instead of never.