Happy 2024! With the new year, get ready for the fresh stream of intentions, goals, and motivation from peers and society as a whole. Setting new goals is great and all but haven’t we done this enough times to know the outcome?

I’m not trying to be cynical here. I’m all for goals. It’s the mindset behind “new year’s resolutions” is what I’m not all for. Let me explain.

My hunch about resolutions is that it assumes we are not remotely close to where we want to be, whether this be health, mental wellbeing, financial, you name it. It is okay to cast a goal but doesn’t it feel like starting over every year? My friends are trying new diets, new work outs, the latest juice cleanse, or even the next health program in the name of new year goals. It all seems faint and overpromising if you ask me.

I want to challenge you to take a different approach this year. Instead of thinking “new years resolutions” why not think of the smallest change you can make to improve your wellbeing? Not super exciting, I know. The thing is, the more doable a goal is, the more likely it will be accomplished. As easy as something is to do, it is also easy not to do. We often tend to get ahead of ourselves by setting ambitious goals that may not be realistic. Life gets in the way, medical emergencies, family gatherings, work meetings, you name it. To not expect hurdles on the way is definitely a set up for failure. That’s why I encourage you take a step back and think “what is the smallest thing I can do today?” This prompts action and isn’t overwhelming. It also takes lifestyle factors and anticipates hurdles along the way.

Another assumption about new years goals, is that we are nowhere near where we want to be. Maybe not everyone, but it feels like our goals are so far away. Count your accomplishments so far and give yourself some credit. If you keep goal setting without recognizing your accomplishments you will never feel like you’re getting anywhere. Take into account what has worked so far and build off of that. This builds confidence, consistency, and helps you to believe in yourself.

Lastly, frequency trumphs intensity every single time. I’m all for an intense high-intensity interval workout. But if it wears you out and makes the next gym visit a dread, maybe this isn’t the best approach. Even if it’s walking in the mall for 20-minutes that still counts as some sort of movement in your day. It’s better to do something for 5-minutes a few times per week than one crazy 2 hour workout that won’t happen again until next year.

If you set goals this year, please don’t feel guilty. I am not bashing goals. Or goal setting. My hope is that we take a step back and evaluate what is important to us as individuals rather than going with the flow. Consider your current life circumstances and what is realistic in the now. Align your goals with what is truly important to you instead of “what looks good.” In the end, our intrinsic motivation will take us further than anything anyone says to us or about us. Society, marketing, and our environment can do a really good job putting pressure on us to set extravagant goals in order to mean something. I encourage you that no matter how small the goal, a goal is still a goal. Don’t overlook smaller not as visible efforts compared to the big choices. Every small action we take to better ourselves and our health compounds and pay dividends down the road.

Remember, your goals are your own. Don’t feel like they have to be like anyone elses. Your friends goals aren’t your goals. Your goals are yours. I hope you like what you are focusing on this year.

Cheers!
Suren