The holiday season has come and gone, leaving us with cherished memories and, for many, a sense of reflection as we welcome the new year. It’s natural to look back at what we’ve accomplished, what we’ve struggled with, and what we aspire to achieve in the coming months. But why do we only make resolutions once a year?

Instead of treating self-improvement as a once-a-year event, consider a more fluid approach. Checking in on our progress daily, weekly, or monthly can make a world of difference. As Karen Lamb once said, “A year from now, you may wish you had started today.”

The Problem with New Year’s Resolutions

While setting annual goals is valuable, the reason many resolutions fail is that they’re too broad or unrealistic. Some of the most commonly broken resolutions include:

• Lose Weight and Get Fit
• Learn Something New
• Get Out of Debt and Save Money

Too often, people set overwhelming targets—losing 30 pounds by spring, becoming a master chef in a year, or eliminating all debt in 12 months. While possible, these goals can feel daunting and lead to frustration. Instead, breaking them down into smaller, attainable steps increases the likelihood of success.

How to Set Goals That Stick

Here are some practical strategies to set goals you can actually achieve:

1. Start Small and Be Realistic
   Instead of aiming to lose 30 pounds, start with a goal of shedding five pounds over a few weeks. Small wins keep you motivated.
2. Focus on One Goal at a Time
   Rather than juggling multiple resolutions, prioritize one primary goal. Once you achieve it, move on to the next.
3. Make Your Goals Public
   Share your resolutions with friends or family. Accountability can be a powerful motivator, and you’ll be surprised how much encouragement you receive.
4. Reward Yourself Along the Way
   Small rewards can reinforce positive habits. If you save money by skipping an impulse purchase, treat yourself to a $6 hot cocoa instead of a $60 shopping spree.
5. Start at a Different Time
   Who says you have to start in January? Consider setting goals with the change of seasons—spring is an excellent time to build momentum.

Final Thoughts

I’m a firm believer in goal-setting, but I’ve learned that success comes from keeping things simple, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. And most importantly, have fun with it! Whether you succeed or stumble, both outcomes are valuable—accomplishments build confidence, and setbacks teach resilience.

At the end of the day, we have a lifetime to grow and reach our full potential. Here’s to a year of progress, learning, and self-discovery!

Happy New Year and Happy Goal-Setting!