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It’s a running joke that most people break their New Year’s resolutions within weeks. Regular gym-goers know to avoid the first few weeks of January, confident the crowds will thin out soon enough.

According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted last year, only 30% of people set resolutions. But here at Natural Pursuits, we think it’s always a good time to make your life a little more enjoyable.

That’s why we’re starting a short series. This week we’re talking about how to pick a resolution and next week we’re discussing how to keep them!

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The Problem

New Year’s is a natural time for reflection. We often feel inspired to set big goals—lose weight, get fit, change careers, or become more organized. But let’s face it: many of these resolutions come from people trying to sell us something—whether it’s fitness gear, meal plans, or expensive organizers.

The problem isn’t setting resolutions; it’s setting resolutions that don’t truly reflect what you want. It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing what society defines as success. But those goals don’t always align with your values, which makes them hard to stick with.

Change requires effort, and motivation only lasts when the goal matters to you.

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The Solution

Before setting a resolution, ask yourself one simple question: Is this what I really want?

When your goals are rooted in what’s important to you, they feel more meaningful. That connection helps you stay motivated and makes your goals more achievable.

This approach, called values-based goal setting, involves aligning your goals with your personal values—those core principles that matter most to you. By identifying what truly drives you, you can create resolutions that lead to satisfying, lasting change.

Reflection Exercise

Take a few moments to reflect on your motivations. Use these questions to dig deeper into why this resolution matters to you:

1. Why do I want this?
   • Is this goal for me, or am I trying to meet someone else’s expectations?
2. How will this goal improve my life?
   • What specific benefits will this bring to my daily life, relationships, or sense of well-being?
3. Does this goal excite or inspire me?
   • Can I imagine myself feeling proud or fulfilled as I work toward this goal?
4. What values does this goal reflect?
   • For example, does it connect to health, creativity, connection, freedom, or another principle that’s important to me?

Example

If you’re thinking about working out more, consider why. Is it because you want to be healthier and have more energy for the activities you enjoy? Or is it because you feel pressured to look a certain way to fit in with societal expectations?

For example, if your “why” is to improve your health and enjoy outdoor adventures with friends, that aligns with a value of connection and well-being. On the other hand, if your motivation is to conform to external standards, you might find it harder to stay committed because the goal doesn’t truly reflect what matters to you.

Identifying your “why” helps you focus on goals that are meaningful, which makes them more sustainable and fulfilling.

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Reframing Goals

Once you’ve decided on a goal rooted in something you genuinely want, the next step is to clearly state it in a way that reflects your values. This makes the goal feel personal, actionable, and connected to what matters most to you. Reframing your goal in this way can turn it from a chore into an exciting step toward the life you want.

Examples:

• Instead of: “I want to lose 10 pounds.”
• Try: “I want to get around easier so I can do more things I like.”
• Instead of: “I want to save money.”
• Try: “I want to save enough to take a trip with friends and create memories.”
• Instead of: “I want to read more books.”
• Try: “I want to read one book a month that I enjoy.”

By framing your goals around what excites and inspires you, you create a roadmap that feels both meaningful and achievable.

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Planning for Success

Once you’ve connected your goals to your values, the next step is to create a plan. A solid plan breaks your goal into actionable, realistic steps while keeping it tied to what truly matters to you.

Start Small: Begin with one manageable action that aligns with your values. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier to feel more energized, start by adding one vegetable to each meal. If your goal is to strengthen connections, plan a monthly coffee date with a friend.

Anticipate Challenges: Think about what might get in your way and plan for those obstacles. If time is an issue, prep meals in advance. If staying motivated feels hard, consider finding an accountability partner or setting reminders to revisit your “why.”

Stay Flexible: Life happens. A values-based goal doesn’t mean sticking rigidly to a plan at all costs—it means adapting when necessary while keeping your core values in mind. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a meaningful and enjoyable life, not to check boxes.

In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into how to maintain your goals, adjust when life gets messy, and keep yourself motivated along the way.

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Closing Thoughts

Setting resolutions is about creating a life that feels meaningful to you. By rooting your goals in your values, you’re not just chasing change—you’re building a path to a more fulfilling year. Start small, stay flexible, and keep what truly matters at the center of your plans. Here’s to a year of meaningful progress!

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