Why we don’t recommend setting New Year’s resolutions

As we edge closer to 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our health and fitness journeys, and to start thinking about what we want to achieve next year. Typically, most people set resolutions which are just loose commitments to make a change in behaviour or lifestyle, such as “I will be healthier” or “I will get fit”. These are often broad, vague and usually fade with time. Goals on the other hand, are more specific, measurable, and achievable objectives with a set deadline. They are a structured and strategic approach to self-improvement and can cover all aspects of our lives. Meaningful goals have the power to transform our lives.

Make 2024 the year you ditch the resolutions and shift your focus to creating effective goals that will inspire you to make meaningful changes. And we’re here to tell you how to do it.

Reflect on the previous year

Before you jump into setting goals, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Consider what worked well and what didn’t so you can make any necessary adjustments. Identify the habits that contributed to your success and the things that hindered your progress.

Sometimes, life gets in the way of goals we were excited about. Take note of the things you didn’t accomplish and whether they’re goals you even want to take on again in the new year. This might be a great opportunity to adjust the goal to be more achievable to set yourself up properly for success this time around. 

When considering which goals to keep, consider the following: 

1. Was it too vague, and if so, how can I make it more specific?
2. Did I create a plan to achieve this goal?
3. Was it attainable in the first place? If not, what do I need to do to make it attainable?
4. Did an external factor make my goal too difficult to accomplish?
5. Did I have the necessary resources to achieve this goal?
6. Do I still want this?

Define your values and priorities

After you have spent time reflecting, it’s time to clarify your core values and priorities in life. It’s important to ensure that the goals you end up setting align with these principles, as it will give your goals a greater sense of meaning and you’ll feel more emotionally connected to them.

When identifying your values, consider the following:

1. What are the things that matter most to me?
2. What qualities do I want to personify?
3. What makes me feel my best – physically and mentally?
4. Am I currently living my life in alignment with these values and priorities?

Answering these questions will help you decide which goals are actually worth working towards.  Understanding your “why” will serve as a guiding light throughout your journey and make it easier to create lasting change.

Make your goals SMART

The SMART goal-setting framework is a tried-and-true method for setting effective goals. Instead of vague resolutions like “get fit” or “eat healthier,” it will help you break down your aspirations into tangible, actionable steps:

1. Specific: Avoid setting broad goals. Get clear on exactly what it is you want to achieve. The more specific they are, the more they are likely to keep you focused. Turn long-term goals into several short-term ones, and identify the resources necessary to achieve each one.
2. Measurable: Is it possible to measure your progress towards these goals? If so, how will you do it? If you can’t tell how you’re progressing, it’ll be harder to stay motivated. Define how you’ll measure progress and success and set both short and long-term milestones. 
3. Achievable: It must be possible for you to actually achieve your goal, taking into consideration your schedule and available resources. Consider whether you have the time, energy, and resources necessary to reach each goal. Remember to account for every goal you have when considering the bigger picture and be honest about how much progress you can make in the time you have given yourself.
4. Relevant: This goes back to defining your values and priorities. Ensuring that your goals feel meaningful to you will make you feel more inspired and committed to achieving them. For example, if your goal is to lose 20kg next year, think about why you want to achieve it — will it improve your quality of life? How?
5. Time-bound: Setting goals without start and end dates are difficult to measure. This will provide you with the necessary focus and sense of urgency to make it happen, as well as keeping you accountable. But the key is to make sure that the deadline for each goal is realistic given your circumstances, otherwise you will just be setting yourself up for failure. 

Create a clear action plan

Use the above framework to develop a detailed action plan for each goal. Outline the specific steps required, set milestones, and establish deadlines so that you know exactly what you need to do and to help keep yourself accountable along the way.

Monitor your progress so that you know when you are getting close to your milestones. These milestones offer a great opportunity to reward yourself throughout the journey which can help keep motivation high.

Seek professional guidance

Embarking on a health and fitness journey can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to start or what is actually required to achieve your goals. This is where seeking guidance from a coach can be invaluable. Their expertise can provide personalised insights, ensuring that your goals are not only achievable but also tailored to your unique needs. They can also save you a lot of time and frustration by ensuring the methods you follow to achieve your goals are effective and backed by evidence.

Foster a supportive community

A sense of community can be a powerful motivator on your journey towards achieving your health and fitness goals. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Join fitness classes, online communities, or local groups where you can exchange experiences, celebrate achievements, and find support during challenging times on your journey. 

Review, reward & adjust

Schedule regular check-ins to review your progress towards your goals. As the year unfolds, be open to adapting your goals based on your progress and changing circumstances. Life is dynamic, and your health and fitness journey will be too. Embrace the flexibility to modify your goals, making them realistic and relevant to your evolving needs.

Through it all, remember to acknowledge and celebrate your successes, regardless of how insignificant they may feel. Positive reinforcement boosts motivation and enhances your commitment to the process.

By putting these tips into practice, you’ll not only be able to set more meaningful goals for 2024, but you’ll be far more likely to achieve them. So here’s to a year of transformative growth!

If you are committed to achieving your goals in 2024 – our brand new Find Your Balance Project will help to set you up for success! We’ll guarantee your success with 1 on 1 detailed fortnightly check ins with your personal coach, accountability, education and all the support you need on your journey. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of doing it alongside an amazing group of like-minded women, all on their own journey of self-improvement. Make 2024 the year you finally ditch the restriction, gain confidence and find YOUR balance! Limited places available – click here for more info!