Why Most New Year’s Resolutions Are Not Kept (& What I Recommend Instead!)
Don’t make a resolution about getting outside more often. There is another way to go about it.
Like most people, I used to be all about New Year’s resolutions. In early January, I’d sit down, make my list—get more organized, start that passion project, integrate a new wellness practice— and feel all sorts of hope that this time, I’d really follow through. But, by the time February rolled around, I’d already forgotten about half of them, or life just got in the way, and I’d end up feeling like I’d let myself down. I know I’m not alone when I say that resolutions sound great in theory, but never seem to stick, as the resolution-maker hopes they will.
It wasn’t until I shifted gears and started choosing a word for the year that the disappointment turned into excitement and anticipation. Honestly? Dropping resolutions has been a total game-changer. Let me explain.
Why Goals Alone Aren’t Enough
Look, I’m not anti-goals. Goals are fantastic—they give you direction and motivation. If you have hopes and ideas for what you’d like to accomplish, write them down and think about what you need to get there! But here’s the thing: there’s often a big gap between simply setting a goal and actually following through on it. Here’s why many resolutions end up falling short:
Lack of Personal Transformation: Resolutions often focus on the what—finish that project, start baking sourdough, save more money—but they rarely address the who. They don’t ask, “Who do I need to become in order to achieve this?” Without that shift in mindset, your goal can feel like an uphill battle.
No Way to Feel Successful Along the Way: Motivation can only carry you so far. When you feel like you’re “not there yet,” it’s easy to abandon your goal altogether. Without mini wins or the feeling of progress, it’s tough to keep going.
Overwhelming or Vague Goals: Setting big, ambitious goals or vague intentions can overwhelm you or leave you feeling defeated if you don’t achieve them right away.
Why Choosing a Word Works
Instead of loading up on resolutions, I’ve started choosing a word to guide me through the year. This single word becomes a touchstone—something that reminds me of the kind of person I want to be, rather than just the things I want to do. And I can honestly say it’s been way more effective than any goal I’ve set. Here’s why:
No Pressure, No Failure: A word for the year isn’t something you can “fail” at. There’s no specific outcome you need to achieve. It’s about aligning with an intention that shapes your decisions and mindset in a way that feels natural and sustainable. As a result, you’re more likely to make the decisions that facilitate the lifestyle you desire.
Flexibility & Growth: Life can be unpredictable. Plans may change, or you might realize that a goal you set no longer aligns with your true desires. With a word, there’s room for growth. You can adapt it to any situation and still feel like you’re honoring the intention behind it and becoming the person you want to be.
Focus: Determination is great, but you might find yourself in a position where hyper-focusing on a particular goal takes away from other important parts of your life. Focusing on a value can carry over to every. part. of. your. life. It doesn’t displace anything. Instead it brings added value to whatever you’re doing.
A Simple Compass: I return to my word again and again throughout the year. It reminds me of who I am/hope to be and where I’m headed. It doesn’t get shoved in a drawer until next January rolls around. It’s a tool that has helped me stay grounded and aligned with my values and I imagine it can do the same for you, influencing everything from big decisions to small, daily actions.
Welcome to a different approach to turning the page on the calendar!
How I’ve Used This Approach
In past years, some of the words I’ve chosen have been:
Wonder – To remind myself to stay curious and open to life’s beauty– and surprises.
Balance – To create harmony between work, relationships, and self-care.
Courage – To push myself out of my comfort zone and face fears head-on.
Intuition – To trust myself more and listen to that inner voice.
Each word has been like a gentle reminder to align with my highest self. It’s not about perfection; it’s about growth and becoming the person I want to be.
How to Choose Your Word for the Year
Picking your word isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing, but here are some simple steps to help you get started.
Reflect on the Past Year: What went well? What were the challenges? What do you want more of in your life?
Think About Who You Want to Be: Imagine the person you want to grow into. What values or qualities would that person embody?
Let the Word Find You: The right word often comes when you’re still and open to it. Trust your gut—it should resonate deeply with you.
Keep It Visible: Write your word down somewhere you’ll see it regularly. Let it serve as a reminder to live in alignment with it and use it to guide your actions.
I’m not saying don’t make goals, of course. That’s a whole separate thing. That can be helpful but requires a different approach (writing down realistic, measurable goals and finding support for reaching them, for example).
This “word for the year” is more of an overarching framework for your life in the coming year. Simply choose a word that resonates with you and reflects who you want to become. Your word will become a compass, a sort of guiding light for you in 2025. I’m eager to see where it takes you!
