New Year’s Resolutions: Between Big Dreams and Small Steps

A Balanced Approach to Achieving Your Goals

New Year written with fireworks around it.

Every January brings the excitement of a fresh start. It’s a chance to reflect on what we want to change, achieve, or improve in our lives. But when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, opinions often diverge. Some idealize them to the point of making them unreachable, while others reject them entirely, viewing them as a futile exercise. This year, I found myself reflecting on these two extremes and wondering: is there a way to strike a balance—or even reframe the concept altogether?

Are resolutions the right frame?

Before diving into the balance between dreaming big and being practical, it’s worth asking: are resolutions the best tool for personal growth? For some, resolutions work as clear, motivating commitments. But for others, alternative approaches like setting intentions, creating life goals, or crafting thematic projects might resonate more.

Whatever framework you choose—resolutions, intentions, or dreams—it’s important that it reflects your values and aligns with your current season of life.

A person evaluating whether it’s better to set New Year’s resolutions, intentions, or goals.

Idealizing Resolutions: The Bright Side and Its Shadows

Dreaming big has its charm. Setting ambitious goals like “I’m going to run a marathon,” “I’ll save for a trip around the world,” or “I’ll quit all my bad habits” can generate excitement and motivation. It’s as if we’re projecting ourselves into an idealized version of who we want to be—a version that feels almost within reach as the new year begins.

But what happens when those goals aren’t met? The disappointment can be overwhelming. What started as a motivational push can turn into a constant reminder of what we “failed” to achieve. I think the problem with over-idealizing resolutions is that they’re often unrealistic or poorly defined. For instance, instead of saying, “I’m going to be healthier,” we could break it down into concrete actions like “I’ll walk for 30 minutes a day” or “I’ll reduce my sugar intake.”

A diagram illustrating the path to a goal: the expected path being straight and the real path longer and more organic.

Rejecting Resolutions: A Shield or an Excuse?

On the other hand, some people prefer not to make resolutions at all. For some, it’s a way to avoid frustration; for others, it’s the belief that there’s no need to wait for a new year to set goals. Both perspectives are valid, but I also think this rejection can sometimes be an excuse to avoid committing to ourselves.

It’s not about making resolutions just because it’s tradition, but about using the symbolism of a new year as an opportunity to pause, think, and project what we want to build. Even the smallest goals, when well thought out, can be a powerful driving force to improve certain aspects of our lives.

A calendar flipping from day one to day two, with ideas surrounding it.

Finding Balance: Dream Big, Act Realistically

Whether you prefer resolutions, intentions, or another framework, balance is essential. Here are a few practical tips to keep your aspirations motivating rather than overwhelming:

Tips to balance dreaming big but acting realistically: Be specific: Clear goals are easier to achieve because you know exactly what needs to be done. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to be more organized,” try, “I’ll spend 15 minutes each night planning the next day.”
Aim high, but take small steps: If you have a big dream, break it into stages. Each small achievement is progress that will keep you motivated.
Be flexible: Life changes, and so do our priorities. It’s okay to adjust your goals along the way. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you’re adapting.
Celebrate progress: Sometimes we’re so focused on the end goal that we forget to recognize how far we’ve come. Every step counts, and celebrating it will help keep you motivated.

Personally, I’ve learned not to pressure myself too much with my goals. I prefer to choose objectives that challenge me but also give me room to enjoy the process.

The problem with resolutions isn’t about making them or not; it’s about the approach we take. If you see them as something that defines your success or failure, they’ll likely become a source of anxiety. But if you use them as a compass to guide you, with enough flexibility to adapt, they can be powerful tools for growth. This year, my main resolution is to find that balance in everything I do. It’s not about reaching a perfect place but about enjoying the journey as I move forward. What will your resolution be this year?

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be extreme. They’re neither magical solutions nor a waste of time. If we manage to find a middle ground—where our goals are ambitious enough to inspire us but also realistic and attainable—we can make the most of both perspectives.

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