I love the idea of New Year’s resolutions. I am all for bettering myself and making healthy improvements. Plus, there is something so refreshing starting a new year and being able to take it in any direction I choose.
But if there’s one thing that can get me really kick me to the ground, it’s myself.
I am by far my hardest critic. I find myself getting stressed or anxious at home when I don’t get as much blogging or cooking or cleaning accomplished as I would have liked. But, why?
When I notice this happening I take a deep breath and reassure myself that it is okay. Not meeting a resolution every day does not equate to failing myself.
Goals VS. Resolutions
I turned to my trusty friend Google to pinpoint what exactly the difference between goals and resolutions are.
Resolution (n): a firm decision to do or not to do something
Goal (n): the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result
Do you see a difference in these definitions?
A resolution is so concrete (“a firm decision”) and very “black and white” (“to do or not to do something”).
On the other hand, a goal is centered around a desired result and emphasizes that to be reached one must utilize their ambition/effort.
Goals can be TWEAKED. ADJUSTED. Or honestly, altogether changed if the original goal is not serving the person in a positive way.
Goals are worked towards gradually. One day of not meeting your goal does not make you a failure. Rather, your ability to continue working towards the goal with ups and downs along the way is actually meeting your goal perfectly.
How I Decide On My Goals
When it comes to setting these goals, I stay simple, attainable, and positive. I don’t believe in negative goals such as “Stop thinking negative thoughts.” Instead, I would make my goal, “Think thoughts that are uplifting and move me in the right direction.” That way I am reinforcing the progress I want to work towards, and not focusing on what has held me back in the past.
I like setting three to four goals. For me, I can make progress towards those goals without feeling overwhelmed.
One way to approach goals is to set one goal for each area in your life. So you could set goals for work, health, relationships, and self.
How do you feel about New Year’s Goals or Resolutions?
What are you going to work on this year?
I also am not a fan of resolutions. For me I find comfort, accountability and encouragement in setting Intentions – much like it sounds like your goals work for you! Here’s to a fulfilling and nurturing 2017 for us all!
I love “intentions.” I’m glad we have similar ideas! Thanks for visiting Kate!
I’m with you 100%! I love your outlook – it really speaks to me. Happy New Year!
Thanks Maggie, I try to keep everything positive!
I love this! Great way to look at it!
Thank you!!
I love this mindset! I’m definitely my hardest critic too, so I can totally relate to how you’re feeling! I prefer the idea of goals too.
Thanks, Amelie 🙂 I’m going to try to be gentler with myself in 2017.
I never really thought about the difference but I love it! I set some hard and fast goals this year that will help better myself!
I love hearing that Allison! I’m doing the same in 2017. 🙂
I love how a simple shift in wording can make everything seem different. Thank-you for a beautiful post
Thank you so much, Ali. I am so glad it resonated with you!
Same thoughts I have too. I have seen myself being failed at doing things whenever I set resolution but if you have goals, you can do so much more with great focus and desire. 🙂
That’s the right attitude! 🙂
I’m definitely about goals over resolutions as well! I’m actually writing a post about my goals for the year as we speak!
That’s great! I would love to read it 🙂
Big believer in goal setting as well 🙂 Here’s a to a fantastic 2017 ahead!
I am on the same page! I do not set resolutions, I set goals and intentions. We need to leave ourselves wiggle room to adjust throughout the year.
You hit the nail on the head. We are always changing, so we shouldn’t put pressure on ourselves to want the same things months later!
Wow, these are exactly my thoughts, but I haven’t been able to put them into words! I love this post so much!
Love that Jessica! 🙂
I like the distinction between the two! I think I usually start with a resolution but that tends to turn more into a goal that gets adjusted along the way.
Thanks Natalija. 🙂 I hope you rock your goals this year!
What an awesome way of looking at it! I don’t do resolutions anyway so i love this!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
Thanks Rachel!
I love this post! I do the exact same thing! My hubby and I are setting our goals today! Can’t wait
Awesome! Good luck with your goals!
Great post – totally agree! Setting goals…they are just easier to achieve. Resolution I feel, are more conducive to failure.
Definitely. And starting a new year by “failing” is no way anyone should start!
I love this idea! Never really thought of the difference between the two.
Thank you! It’s somewhat new to me as well 🙂
Girl, we are on the same page! Goals > Resolutions any day. Such a great way to think about improving yourself in the new year. Cheers!
Exactly, happy new year!
Oh i love this! We should always have room to alter or even grow goals. What a fantastic post. Happy New Year, girl!
Thanks, Allie!! Happy New Year to you!
I never liked calling something a New Years Resolution. I felt like no one ever kept them so why bother. I love calling them goals and realizing they can be modified and changed as needed to stay relevant. Plus, you are so right about not being hard on yourself. It’s OK when you don’t meet every single goal, every single day. Good luck with your goals in 2017.
Thank you so much 🙂 Best of luck to you in 2017!
Love this way of looking at it! Can’t wait to set my goals for 2017!
Thanks Rachel! Good luck on your goals!!
Love this idea. It’s much more approachable to set goals instead of resolutions. I need to start making my list!
Exactly! And same here, I haven’t set them in stone just yet.
I totally agree! I’m all about goal-setting this year. I’m not interested in holding myself to a strict resolution that I can either succeed or fail. I’m looking forward to the journey this time around.
I’m so happy to hear you share this mind set too! I think it’s a lot healthier.