With the new year fast approaching, many of us have our eyes on the future. A new year brings new opportunities, and gives us the chance to look back on all that we have accomplished. 

At this time, we start to make goals, or resolutions, for the next year. Things like “I want to exercise more and eat healthier” or “become more organized” and “get better grades” easily roll off our tongues, but do we really mean them? 

Traditional resolutions like these are driven by a sense of obligation, and often center on an idealised standard that has been pushed on us by our society, like a need to eat better, achieve more, or improve our lives in some easily quantifiable way.

It is no wonder, then, that research says we are falling short on the promises we make to ourselves. According to one study by DriveResearch, only 9 percent of Americans who make resolutions actually keep them, and most of us fall off the wagon in the first two months of the year. 

Additionally, the same study found that a majority of both men and women make resolutions because they “feel pressured” to do so. This strongly indicates that the meaning has been stripped from the resolution, and as it stands, they only exist as a reflection of a society that always demands more from its members.

These types of resolutions are based on “all or nothing thinking”, meaning that the only options are success or failure. To set goals we can actually achieve, and that will actually bring us peace of mind, we need to focus on intrinsic motivators.

This could look like resolving to maintain current hobbies instead of taking on new ones, or aiming to increase or reduce a habit, not eliminate it. Resolutions can also be one time actions, like resolving to go on a trip, or cook a nice meal for loved ones. 

When we pay attention to the simple things that we need, resolutions will come from a much more genuine and motivated place. This could look like resolving to spend more time with family, or be more deliberate in how we speak to our friends and peers.

Resolutions can also be like affirmations. Laugh out loud, dance more, take opportunities as they come, smile everyday–these can all be resolutions too. 

With a progress over perfection mindset, nothing is too insignificant to be a worthwhile goal. And as we achieve these small goals, our confidence will only grow, allowing us to continue to chase our dreams. 

If we do not stick to these goals, if we “fail” that does not mean we have to stop trying. Instead, our failure may be viewed as feedback that we can use as we continue to try to achieve.

So, when the clock strikes midnight, make a wish. If that wish comes from within, it might just come true (with a little effort of course!)