Discover how to set meaningful, sustainable goals in 2025. Explore practical techniques for overcoming perfectionism, building resilience, and finding joy in the journey.

Did you know about 80% of people who make New Year’s resolutions quit before February? It’s not for a lack of trying, but it is for a lack of having a game plan on how to create sustainable resolutions and build resiliency when developing new habits [1]. While it’s super ambitious to shove a million tasks and objectives into your brand new planner, the thing that will keep you most consistent in meeting your goals is understanding your purpose, or your why.

Reflecting on this, I’ve realized that my previous goals, while aligned with my professional mission and vision, often lacked personal joy and purpose. To create more sustainable and fulfilling resolutions, I’m focusing on activities that truly make me come alive. This year, instead of traditional goal-setting, I’m letting the quote below guide me into creating something more introspective and inspiring:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman

For instance, instead of spreading myself thin across multiple social media platforms, I’m dedicating my energy to creating meaningful content on YouTube, where I can connect more authentically. I’m also committed to facilitating free, monthly wellness webinars to provide accessible education and resources to empower others. Additionally, I’m carving out time for regular self-care: midday walks by the water, dinners with friends, and moments of pause to simply be bored [2].

Personal Reflection

As you start preparing ideas of what you’d like to accomplish in the coming weeks or months, think about moments when you’ve felt most alive and ask yourself if those moments align with your upcoming action plan. If you’re focused on nourishing your body, was there a meal planning process or system that made you excited to shop, prep, and eat? If you are hoping to get back to being more physically active, were there activities that were fun to do? If so, be sure that your goals and milestones are based around these items. Some simple ways to integrate what makes you feel alive into your daily routine is to steadily document it: snap photos of you engaging in said activities or journal about how grateful you were to have participated in something that excited you [3].

This might seem corny, but setting out my clothes for the week is part of how I prioritize my healthy habits and daily routines…and it also makes me happy. Doing so gets rid of decision fatigue (the term given to that feeling of having to make endless decisions every day). Even though I was a moody child of the ’80s where my wardrobe, hair, and eyeliner centered around shades of jet black, I now love donning a wide variety of color. When I create weekly outfits for myself, I do so in a color scheme that I can mix and match so that, if something doesn’t feel right once I put it on, I can move onto the next outfit and/or piece of clothing.

Setting out my clothes also mentally prepares me for the day/week. I like to visualize myself going through the motions of whatever my schedule entails when everything is displayed like this: Will I be comfortable enough in the jeans if I have a full day of meetings or would the slouchy pants be a better pick? In the case of my workout wear, I picture myself heading outside for a run (weather permitting) or moving to one of my free FitOn exercises, then making myself a nutritious and hearty smoothie and refilling my water bottle once I’m done.

Lastly, it gives me a sense of order in an otherwise erratic and unpredictable world [4]. By calming my mind—by merely setting out my clothes at the beginning of the week—I’m more likely to treat myself kindly, make healthful decisions, and keep stress at bay, all of which adds up to having a sense of purpose and making me feel excited about pursuing my goals.

Forward Planning

Lofty goals and achievements are wonderful, but not at the expense of prioritizing joy and vitality in the new year. The concept of “coming alive” is not about big, flashy changes but small, meaningful steps [5]. As you consider your resolutions for this year, I encourage you to reflect on what makes you come alive. Incorporate those elements into your goals, and you’ll find the journey not only more fulfilling but also more resilient against the common pitfalls of traditional New Year’s resolutions.

• INSIDE SCOOP: To dive a little deeper, check out our past “Sustainable Resolutions” webinar linked below.

References

1. Vinney, C. (2024, January 1). The Psychology Behind Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-6823972
2. Meister, A., & Stavskaya, A. (2023, July 4). The Benefits of Being Bored at Work. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/07/the-benefits-of-being-bored-at-work
3. ‌Pratt, M. (2022, February 17). The Science of Gratitude. Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-gratitude/
4. ‌Dealing with Uncertainty – HelpGuide.org. (2020, April 2). HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/dealing-with-uncertainty
5. ‌Setting Small Goals to Achieve Big Ones – Keep It Simple for Success. (2019, January 9). Cheers to Chapter Two. https://cheers2chapter2.com/setting-small-goals-to-achieve-big-ones