Struggling with New Year Resolutions?

I used to fear the New Year. There was pressure to share your achievements from the past year and your resolutions for the upcoming one. This often came with the expectation to improve various aspects — health, habits, productivity, and life overall.

When considering New Year's resolutions, many overlook an important question:

What is your reason for wanting change?

Without a clear reason, even the best goals lose momentum. That’s not a personal failure — it’s how the brain works.

Research shows we’re far more likely to follow through when our actions are connected to meaning and values, not guilt or “shoulds.” When change matters to who you are, it becomes easier to sustain — even when motivation dips.

Instead of focusing on outcomes like weight, numbers, or productivity, try zooming out:

• How do you want to feel day to day?

• How do you want to show up for yourself and others?

• What would better health or balance actually give you?

Purpose gives your efforts direction. It turns change from a chore into a choice.

Take the first step

Set aside 10 quiet minutes and write an answer to this question: “If my life and health were working well, what would that allow me to experience or do?”

Keep your answer somewhere visible. You don’t need to act on it yet — just let it guide you.

Further Reading

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl I often read this book. In addition to being inspiring, it serves as a strong reminder of how purpose influences resilience, motivation, and lasting change.