A New Approach to New Year's Resolutions

As 2024 winds down, it’s natural to take a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of the past year and set goals and resolutions. This impulse is good, and worth our time.

But before we dive into goals for 2025, let’s talk about why NY Resolutions often fall flat, and let’s be honest, come February we're crushing Twinkies and watching Netflix, and ignoring Bicep Day at the gym.

Why Goals Matter (and Why They Rarely Work)

Setting goals for the New Year gives us direction and purpose. They help us focus on what truly matters and create a roadmap for growth. Dare I say, resolutions help us pay attention? However, research shows that most resolutions fail by February. Why?

Lack of specificity.

Our goals are often vague and shallow. “Lose 50 pounds. Pay off debt. Read a book.” You get the point.

We need to get specific. “I want to lose 50 pounds by December. I will workout three times a week, and eat a low-carb diet.”

In the naming, we create intention. And, it is also helpful to craft a “why?” Why do you want to lose weight, get out of debt, or read the Bible more? If you don’t have a driving why, you’ll give up by the end of January.

Our why could be: I want to lose weight so I can be more present with my kids. I want to get out of debt so we can be more generous as a family. You got it.

Some have also used the folky wisdom of SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. If that helps, you do you.

But I want to add one more wrinkle to the NY Resolution conversation. Another reason we fail at these 2025 goals is because of a lack of reflection in the previous year. Reflection plays a key role in this process, helping us learn from the past, and set specific goals that truly resonate.

So, we’re going to reflect on 2024, and then ask more questions for 2025. Let’s go!

Reflection Questions for 2024

Get a pen, paper, journal, or device, and respond to these questions. They’ll help you process the past year and identify what matters most as you move forward. If you have your own questions, add as needed:

1. What are three things you are most proud of accomplishing in 2024?

2. What challenges did you face this year, and how did you overcome them?

3. What is one skill you developed in 2024 that surprised you?

4. What were your happiest moments this year, and why did they stand out?

5. Who were the most impactful/important people in your life this year? How did they inspire or support you?

6. What is one thing you wish you had done differently in 2024?

7. How did you prioritize spiritual, emotional, and physical growth this year, and what worked or didn’t work for you?

8. What was the most significant lesson you learned in 2024?

9. What was the most enjoyable part of work, home life, faith community, or in your relationships this year?

10. Create a phrase that describes the past year for you.

11. What was the biggest change in 2024? How did you respond?

Setting Goals for 2025

After reflecting, no, go do it now. Take these reflections and use the insights gained to set goals that are meaningful and aligned with your vision for 2025.

Consider these prompts as you plan:

1. What is one bold goal you want to achieve in 2025, and why does it matter to you?

2. What habits or routines will you focus on building to support your goals in 2025?

3. How will you nurture your spirituality and creativity in 2025?

4. What are three things you’re excited to explore or try in 2025?

5. Who do you want to connect with or build deeper relationships with next year?

6. What is your word or theme for 2025? Why did you choose it?

7. What is one way to maintain or improve physical health this coming year?

8. What are areas of your marriage or relationships that are strong? Where are areas you could use growth?

9. What is your plan for connecting regularly to your spouse, friends, and community in 2025?

10. How is your current income? Are you content with the amount?

11. How is your debt load? What are ways to decrease it this year?

12. What are your long-term financial goals?

13. How can I be more generous in all areas of life in 2025?

14. What character trait/virtue do I want to cultivate in 2025?

15. What is my plan to connect regularly with my kids (or grandkids) in 2025?

16. What creative projects do I need to maintain, or start in 2025?

Make 2025 Your Year

You eat an elephant one bite at a time. You achieve goals and instill new habits one minute, day, week, and month at a time. Celebrate progress, no matter how small, and remember that growth is a journey. Whether you’re aiming to launch a creative project, deepen your spirituality, or prioritize relationships, intentional reflection and specific goal-setting can help you step into the New Year with confidence.

So, grab a journal, a beer, nope… no beers. Never drink your calories if you’re trying to lose weight. Michelob Ultra is fine, but tastes like carbonated water.

Drink more water.

Carve out some time to answer these questions. Have fun with it.

Your future life will thank you.

-Ryan

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