Do You Set New Year’s Resolutions?

I used to when I was younger, these last few years, I’ve taken a different approach. Rather than focusing on resolutions that often fade by mid-January, I like to set a single word—or sometimes two—that becomes my guiding intention for the entire year.

Why Resolutions Sometimes Don’t Work

Many of us have been there: we start the year with big goals, full of excitement, and ready to tackle everything we’ve been putting off. But what happens? For many, by February or March, those goals start to feel distant, and the motivation fades. This happens because New Year’s resolutions tend to be overwhelming or unrealistic. It’s easy to say, “This is the year I’ll lose 20 pounds” or “I’m finally going to start that side business.” But as time goes on, life gets in the way, and the pressure of sticking to these massive goals starts to weigh us down.

The Power of Choosing a Word for the Year

Instead of resolutions, I’ve found that choosing a single word or intention works much better. This year, for example, my word was visibility. I was new to Colorado and I needed people to know me. Every action I took, whether big or small, I did with purpose behind it. That word stayed with me all year long, reminding me to make meaningful choices and decisions that aligned with my goals.

By choosing a word, you’re focusing on growth in a specific area without the rigidity of resolutions. It’s not about perfection but rather intention.

Why It Works

There’s a bit of science behind why this method is effective. When you choose a single word to guide your actions, it engages your subconscious mind, reinforcing the habits you want to build. This process keeps you focused on the bigger picture rather than getting bogged down by daily failures or setbacks. Plus, your word acts as a daily reminder—whether you write it down and stick it on your fridge or keep it at the forefront of your mind—it’s always there guiding your actions.

For example, if your word is health, you may naturally make better food choices, prioritize sleep, or start moving your body more often. Instead of feeling the pressure to meet a rigid goal (like losing 20 pounds), you’re simply aligning your decisions with the idea of becoming healthier.

How to Choose Your Word

You may be thinking, “How do I pick the right word for me?” Here are a few steps to help you find a word that resonates:

1. Reflect on the Past Year: What were the highs and lows? What did you learn about yourself? This can guide you toward a theme for the new year.
2. Think About Areas for Growth: Maybe you’ve struggled with balance, confidence, or consistency. Identify a word that can help you focus on improving in that area.
3. Keep It Simple: Your word doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better. Words like balance, courage, joy, or discipline can all work as powerful reminders.

Once you choose your word, make sure you keep it in sight! Write it down in your planner, hang it on your mirror, or use it as a phone wallpaper—anything that helps keep it top of mind.

Resolutions as Excuses?

Now, let’s talk about something else I’ve noticed. Sometimes, people use New Year’s resolutions as an excuse to delay making changes. You might hear someone say, “I’ll start that in the new year,” or “I’m waiting until after the holidays.” But why wait? If there’s something you want to do, why not start today?

One thing that really resonated with me was a quote I heard a while back. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You only live once” or YOLO. But someone shared a different perspective with me: We get to live every day. We only die once. That hit me hard. Every single day we open our eyes, we are given another chance to live fully, to improve, to grow, and to work towards our purpose.

Start Living, Every Single Day

If you’re feeling discouraged or like you’ve fallen off track with your goals, remember this: you are one choice away from changing your life. You don’t have to wait until January 1st or next Monday to start fresh. You can begin right now. Each day offers a new opportunity to shift your mindset, make better choices, and take one step closer to the life you want to create.

Finding Motivation That Lasts

Here’s another thing to consider: resolutions often fail because they’re rooted in external pressure—society’s expectations, family opinions, or the influence of social media. When your goals are externally motivated, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started in the first place.

By choosing a word, however, the focus shifts to something personal and meaningful. It becomes less about achieving a specific outcome and more about cultivating a mindset that brings long-term growth and fulfillment. Each word each year extending from the last.

The Bottom Line: Set Your Intention

Whether you decide to set a New Year’s resolution or follow my approach and choose a word, what matters most is that you approach the new year with intention. Life isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about making the most of the moments we’re given.

So, what do you think? Do you set New Year’s resolutions? Or maybe, after reading this, you’re thinking about choosing a word for the year? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know how you’re approaching the new year.

Here’s to a year filled with purpose, growth, and living each day to the fullest!

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