The beginning of the year is always an interesting time. Besides the excitement for the possibilities (or dread of having to do it all over again), the idea of “new year’s resolutions” often come up. Do you believe in setting “new year’s resolutions”? I don’t; let me share with you why.

1. You don’t need a new year to set new year’s resolutions

Setting goals should be part of your normal way of life. This might coincide with the end or beginning of a year, but you certainly don’t need to paint it with the new year’s resolution brush. Goal-setting should also span various timelines. A new year’s resolution essentially entails a 1-year goal. Some goals are better broken down into 3-year, 5-year or even 10-year timelines.

2. Plan goals properly, don’t be impulsive

Many times, a new year’s resolution is an impulsive “I want to X”, with little regard about how to get there. It’s critical to think through the steps to reach a goal properly. The idea of SMART goals come to mind, but that’s not entirely what I mean. Let’s say your end-goal is to lose weight (an ever so popular resolution!). It’s better to break that down into the steps that will get you there, which should be SMART goals. For example, “doing a 5km run in 30 minutes by September”, and “enjoying meals and drinks that are free from added sugar by September”.

3. Consistency is key

We know all too well how it goes. We set a new year’s resolution and by the end of January we’ve lost steam. By mid-year we completely forgot what it was, until we remember again when setting the following year’s resolutions! Reaching goals take monotonous consistency and discipline. It’s doing a piece at a time until you reach the full canvas you envisioned. Keep at it!

Thanks for your time.