Forget Resolutions: Try This Instead

It’s the New Year! So, are you ready to take on the world, or feel more like a bear in a cave?

Although not much changes from December 31 to January 1 except for the calendar year, the concept of marking the date change with celebration and making resolutions has been around for nearly 4,000 years. From the Babylonians to the Romans to early Christians, the general consensus was to resolve to correct mistakes, right any wrongs, and/or improve behaviors from the previous year. Go!

Fast-forward to today, and while many still attempt resolutions, they tend to create more shame than righteous improvement. You’re probably aware of the statistic that less than 10% of people achieve their lofty New Year's goals.

If you can relate, know this: 1) you’re definitely not alone, and 2) it’s not your fault. Your DNA has been programmed to think of this as the time of the year to “get it together,” and yet in a large part of the world, Nature is sending a completely different message: Why not hibernate a little longer?

This juxtaposition, along with a variety of other things, can create internal conflict, and often, we aren’t even aware of it. All we know is that we aren’t doing what we said we would. Cue the self-judgment…

The issue isn’t laziness or a lack of willpower. It’s that traditional resolutions are often rooted in unrealistic expectations, driven by societal or self-induced pressure, and disconnected from our deeper values—not to mention any conscious or unconscious beliefs that might be holding us back. When we fall short, the cycle of shame, guilt, and frustration kicks in. We tell ourselves we aren’t disciplined enough, reinforcing patterns of self-sabotage.

But what if the problem isn’t you? What if the issue lies in the resolution itself?

Since statistics have proven that resolutions are the model of inefficacy for 90% of us, why not try something else instead? Say goodbye to goals and resolutions, and hello to creating a Self-Aligned Vision.

(Note: If the term self-aligned seems too "woo" for you, maybe just let that go for a moment and think about what it means.)

Here’s Why a Vision Works:

• It’s Rooted in Joy. A Self-Aligned Vision reflects your authentic desires, not societal ‘shoulds’. When goals arise from passion and truth, they naturally sustain your motivation.
• It Allows for Flexibility.?A vision can still have KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), but as we all know, life is unpredictable. You must be able to adapt and adjust while staying connected to your desires.
• It Cultivates Self-Compassion. Rather than punishing yourself for setbacks – which you will have, a vision invites you to explore and grow with curiosity and kindness toward yourself.

Creating Your Self-Aligned Vision for 2025

One of the biggest mistakes I see smart people make is using their intellect to create things like a vision. But the reason we want to achieve anything has nothing to do with the actual goal and everything to do with how we think achieving that goal or getting that thing will make us feel. If you want to make it farther than you did with resolutions, you'll need to go deeper than intellect.

Reflect on the Past Year. Before you can create a new vision, take a moment to look back. What brought you joy in 2024? What didn't you like? Reflection offers valuable insights into what you want more (and less) of moving forward.

Consider writing out your biggest wins and lessons from the past year. Ask yourself: When did I feel the most alive? What drained my energy? This reflection creates clarity and ensures that your new vision emerges from a place of truth and not old stories or patterns.

Tap Into Your Core Values.?Think about the moments in life when you felt most fulfilled, satisfied, or aligned. What values were present?

If identifying values feels challenging, try looking for existing core values lists (there are many), brainstorming, or taking a values assessment. Narrow it down to your top five values and reflect on how they show up in different areas of your life. How does your business reflect these values? How about your relationships and self-care practices? Your core values are present no matter the circumstances, and identifying them will support the creation of your vision.

Visualize Your Ideal Year. Close your eyes and imagine it’s December 2025. What does your ideal life look and feel like? Picture your business, relationships, health, and personal growth. This isn’t about material outcomes—it’s about how you want to feel and the person you wish to become.

Use pictures or write a detailed visualization. Use all your senses. What do you hear, see, and feel? Who is with you, and what are you enjoying? Regular visualization strengthens your connection to this vision, making it easier to stay on track.

Craft Your Vision Statement. Write a vision statement that reflects the energy you want to carry into the year. For example: "I experience confidence, ease, and love every day. I am surrounded by supportive relationships in my life and work. I have a healthy body that I care for and respect. My finances are flourishing, and I embrace new opportunities when they feel right."

To make your vision statement even more powerful, go deeper. Mention something meaningful for each aspect of your life, such as your personal growth, relationships, finances, business, health, leisure, and purpose. Focus on how you want to feel and the experiences you want to cultivate.

Anchor Your Vision in Daily Practices. Your vision is a living statement, and you can keep it alive by speaking it out loud and with actions that support it.

Develop habits, rituals, or routines that reinforce your vision. Starting the morning by giving attention to your vision can be a great way to prime the day. Consider setting times for short check-ins throughout the day to bring awareness back to what you want most and what you decided was in alignment with you. And don’t forget to celebrate small wins. Your mind associates pleasure with celebration, so when your actions align with your vision – even if briefly – celebrate!

Let Go of the “Quick Fix” Mindset

Technology has gotten us accustomed to instant results, and resolutions often appeal to this mindset of creating rapid transformation. Unfortunately, that’s not how the neural pathways in your brain are created. Change takes time, and sustainable change is rarely instantaneous. Growth is cyclical, not linear. It’s filled with peaks and valleys. By embracing a long-term self-aligned vision, you release the pressure to have everything figured out immediately and create space for real growth.

An Invitation for 2025

If you're seeking change, start by ending the repeatedly failed declarations. Instead of chasing idyllic resolutions, craft a vision that reflects how you want to experience your life and work.

And watch out for what I call "Smart Person Syndrome" - it doesn't matter if you know if you're not doing anything with the information. Ultimately, achievement is not what fulfills us, it's living in a state of fulfillment while we work toward achievement.

Ready to try? What's something you want to include in your vision?

?? Repost to help someone else who's tired of resolutions!