While chatting with a friend about New Year’s resolutions, I mentioned how I’m not a big believer in them—and for good reason. The statistics don’t exactly inspire confidence:
Only about 9-12% of people successfully keep their resolutions for a year.
Around 23% quit within the first week.
Roughly 64% maintain their resolutions beyond one month, and about 46% continue after six months.
The idea of setting resolutions can feel overwhelming, especially with such discouraging odds. That’s why, as much as I love reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the new one, I approach it a bit differently and don’t only wait to do this as we approach a new year. I see every sunrise as a new beginning and a new way to approach life.
Before diving into goal-setting or envisioning the year ahead, I reflect on my values and my “big rocks.” Reflecting on your values and big rocks is foundational and very important any time you make big decisions—it helps you stay aligned with what truly matters.
Your True North: What truly matters to you? What are the non-negotiables in your life—the principles or commitments you won’t compromise on? These could be your health, relationships, or how you show up for yourself and others.
Your Big Rocks: Think of the priorities that hold the most weight—the things that bring you joy, health, and fulfillment. These deserve your time and attention, even when life gets busy.
When I align my reflections and plans with these guiding principles, everything feels more intentional and achievable. This simple yet profound shift is the foundation of how I approach the year-end reflection process.
For me, this practice starts in the quiet hours of the early morning. I love waking up much earlier than my family, savoring the stillness as I reflect on the year past and envision the year ahead. It's a time to reconnect with my intentions and find clarity for what lies ahead.
If you've felt a similar tug at the end of a busy year, wondering how you can approach the next one with clarity and confidence, reflection might be the missing piece. The good news is you don’t need to spend weeks on this process. It can start with a few powerful steps that help you learn from the past and set intentional goals for the future.
Celebrate Your Wins: Acknowledging successes, big and small, is crucial for motivation and perspective. For me, strength training was a big goal this year. I hired a personal trainer to ensure my form was correct and to reduce the risk of injury. To make it more affordable, I shared the cost with a friend, which turned out to be a brilliant decision. Now I have a workout buddy, and strength training has become something I genuinely look forward to—it’s a time to laugh, connect, and get stronger together.
Incorporate this practice by setting aside 15 minutes each Sunday to jot down your weekly wins in a notebook or digital journal. When we start reflecting, we realize that we have a lot more wins we actually thought we did.
Identify Challenges and Lessons Learned: Reflecting isn’t only about celebrating—it’s also about growth. A wise friend once advised me to be mindful of how many things I take on, and it prompted me to reflect on where I needed to say "no." This simple shift helped me create more space for what truly matters and avoid burnout.
Try creating a “Lessons Learned” page in your journal. Write the challenge at the top and list two or three key takeaways underneath. By reflecting on challenges and extracting valuable lessons, you're building the resilience needed to handle future obstacles with more confidence and grace.
Set Realistic, Impactful Goals: Goal setting doesn’t have to be daunting. The key is to make your goals meaningful and aligned with what truly fills you up. For me, this means prioritizing one-on-one connections and surrounding myself with inspiring women who lift me up and I can learn from. These relationships bring me joy and a sense of purpose, making them a cornerstone of my yearly planning.
Start with a brainstorming session and filter down to goals that resonate with your values and lifestyle. Listen to yourself and get to know you. What lights you up? When are you at your best?
Visualize Your Ideal Year: Visualization is a powerful tool used by top performers and everyday individuals alike. I practice this daily, and it fills me with a warm feeling in my heart—especially when I envision moments with my family and the positive impact I want to create.
Take five minutes each morning to visualize a successful day. It sets a positive tone and keeps your bigger picture in mind.
Craft a Clear Roadmap: Once you've defined your goals, create a clear and realistic roadmap to achieve them. Break down each goal into smaller, manageable steps that you can take one at a time. For example, I make it a priority to wind down early in the evening, so I can enjoy a few moments of reading and still get a full night’s rest. This not only sets me up for a more energized and focused morning but also gives me the space to tackle my day with intention and purpose.
Pick one of your main goals and write out three small actions you can take this week to get started.
Reflecting on the year and setting goals isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving yourself grace and direction as you move forward. You deserve that, too. As you go through these steps, remember that it’s not about how grand your goals are, but how aligned they are with what matters to you.
The new year is a blank canvas; your reflections and plans are the brushstrokes that create your masterpiece.
If you’re ready to go deeper into these practices and want personalized guidance to set yourself up for success, I invite you to schedule a
During this session, we can discuss your unique goals and map out your best path forward. Let’s make this coming year one where you thrive.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary or fitness changes.
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