Resolutions That Align with Your Values

TL;DR: As the new year approaches, remember that you’re not something to fix or perfect—you’re already enough. Growth comes from leaning into who you are, not leaving yourself behind. This guide offers practical tips for setting realistic and meaningful goals that align with your values, break them into manageable steps, and practice self-compassion when progress isn’t linear. Step into the new year with curiosity, compassion, and the courage to live fully as yourself. You don’t need more—you just need you.

Ah, the start of a new year. There’s something refreshing about the clean slate it offers—a chance to reflect, reset, and reimagine. And yet, let’s not fall into the trap of chasing a shinier, newer version of ourselves. You’re not something to fix or perfect—you’re already enough. Growth doesn’t come from leaving yourself behind; it comes from leaning in, from becoming more of who you already are. Those messy, unfinished parts? They’re not flaws to erase; they’re proof you’re human, and they make you whole.

So, let’s talk about how to set goals that align with this truth—goals that embrace who you are instead of pressuring you to become someone you’re not. Time to throw away that unrealistic idea you saw on TikTok and create goals that feel meaningful, authentic, and rooted in compassion for yourself.

1. Start with Your “Why”

Before you commit to a goal, ask yourself: why is this important to me? Is it something you truly want, or does it come from the pressure to change or improve? Goals rooted in your values allow you to step into the new year with curiosity and authenticity, rather than chasing someone else’s idea of success.

For example:

•If you want to work out more, is it because you value joyful movement and how it makes you feel, or because you feel pressured to change your appearance?

•If you want to spend less time on social media, is it because you want to be more present with loved ones, or because you feel judged by comparison?

When your goals reflect your values, they feel less like obligations and more like opportunities to lean into who you already are.

2. Make It Specific

The more specific your goal, the clearer your path to achieving it. Broad statements like “I want to read more” can feel daunting, while a goal like “I want to read one book per month” gives you direction and structure.

Pro Tip: Use the SMART framework—goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This helps ensure your goals are manageable, not perfectionist ideals that set you up for frustration.

Remember: You’re not trying to become perfect; you’re trying to connect more deeply with what matters most to you.

3. Break Goals into Smaller Steps

Big goals can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re focused on an idealized version of yourself. Breaking them into smaller, manageable steps makes them feel doable and celebrates progress along the way.

For example:

•Big Goal: Save $5,000 this year.

•Smaller Steps: Create a budget, set up automatic transfers, or cut back on one unnecessary expense per week.

Small wins remind you that growth isn’t about giant leaps; it’s about consistent steps that honor where you are right now.

4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Life is messy and progress isn’t linear—and that’s okay. Some weeks you’ll feel on top of your goals; other weeks, you might not even get started. Those moments don’t mean you’ve failed. They’re just reminders that growth comes with ups and downs.

Instead of striving for perfection, practice self-compassion. Celebrate small victories, and when setbacks happen, remind yourself: a missed day or week doesn’t erase the work you’ve already done. Those moments are part of your humanity, and they make your journey whole.

5. Build in Accountability

Accountability doesn’t have to feel like pressure. It can be a gentle nudge—a way to stay connected to your goals without losing yourself in the process. Share your intentions with a friend, track progress in a journal, or use an app to keep you on track.

The key is finding accountability that feels supportive, not critical. Remember, your goals are about building a life that feels true to you—not meeting someone else’s expectations.

6. Make It Enjoyable

We’re more likely to stick to goals that bring us joy. If your goal is to cook at home more, experiment with recipes that excite you or invite friends over to share a meal. If you want to move your body more, find an activity that feels playful, like dancing or taking walks with a friend.

Growth doesn’t have to feel heavy or hard. Lean into curiosity and discover ways to make your journey enjoyable. After all, the best goals are the ones that feel like acts of self-love, not self-punishment.

7. Reflect and Adjust

Goals are not set in stone—they’re tools to guide you, and they can evolve as you grow. Check in with yourself regularly: Are your goals still aligned with your values? Do they feel realistic and meaningful? If not, don’t be afraid to adjust them.

Remember, stepping into the new year isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about showing up fully as yourself, with curiosity, compassion, and the courage to live authentically.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need more—you just need you. Setting goals isn’t about erasing your messy, unfinished parts or striving for perfection. It’s about leaning into who you already are, with all the beauty and complexity that comes with it.

By aligning your goals with your values, breaking them into actionable steps, and practicing self-compassion along the way, you can set yourself up for a year of growth that feels meaningful and sustainable. And through it all, remember: you’re not something to fix or perfect. You’re already whole.

References

Duhigg, C. (2012). The power of habit: Why we do what we do in life and business. Random House Trade Paperbacks.

Schwartz, R. C. (2021). No bad parts: Healing trauma and restoring wholeness with the Internal Family Systems model. Sounds True.