Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions: Embracing Values-Based Goals
As the New Year approaches, many of us feel the weight of societal expectations to create ambitious resolutions. While the idea of starting fresh is exciting, the pressure to accomplish a laundry list of goals can feel overwhelming and even lead to anxiety. What happens if you don’t achieve everything you’ve planned? Are you any less accomplished or worthy?
The truth is, traditional New Year’s resolutions often set us up for failure by focusing too much on outcomes rather than what truly matters to us. Instead, consider adopting a values-based approach to goal setting. This method allows you to focus on becoming the kind of person you want to be rather than simply checking tasks off a list. By aligning your goals with your core values, you’ll reduce stress and feel more grounded in your choices. Here’s how to start:
Step 1: Identify How You Want to Live in Key Areas of Your Life
Think about the roles you play and the areas of your life that matter most. Ask yourself:
How do I want to show up as an employee or entrepreneur?
What kind of parent, friend, or partner do I want to be?
How can I prioritize my self-care and well-being?
Reflect on these questions and write down descriptions of the person you’d like to be in each area. For example, you might aspire to be a supportive friend, an adventurous partner, or an ambitious professional.
Step 2: Clarify the Values That Guide You
Once you have a clear picture of how you want to live, identify the values that align with those descriptions. Values are guiding principles that reflect who you are at your core. Examples include:
Kindness
Ambition
Adventure
Loyalty
Mindfulness
Respect
Focus
Honesty
Independence
For instance, if you want to be more assertive and ambitious in the workplace, ambition and confidence might be your guiding values. If you want to cultivate a sense of adventure in your relationship, values like spontaneity and mindfulness might resonate.
Step 3: Define What Living in These Values Looks Like
Now, take it a step further by imagining what a person living in alignment with these values would do. Be specific and realistic about how you can embody these principles in your daily life. For example:
As a partner who values adventure, you might plan a new experience, outing, or date at least once a month, as your schedule allows.
As an employee who values ambition, you could set aside time each week to learn a new skill or network within your industry.
As a friend who values kindness, you might commit to checking in with loved ones regularly and offering support when needed.
Why Values-Based Goals Work
Unlike traditional resolutions that hinge on achieving specific outcomes, values-based goals are rooted in the process of becoming. This shift in perspective helps you:
Reduce stress and anxiety associated with perfectionism.
Feel more connected to your choices and actions.
Build habits and behaviors that reflect your authentic self.
A Gentle Reminder for the New Year
It’s okay to not have it all figured out by January 1st. Growth and self-discovery are ongoing journeys, and values-based goals allow you to evolve with intention. Remember, your worth isn’t measured by how many boxes you check off—it’s defined by the person you choose to be every day.
So this New Year, let’s focus less on the pressure of resolutions and more on aligning with our values. Here’s to a year of meaningful, intentional growth!
