Why Set New Year Goals Instead of Resolutions?
- Wellbeing Therapy Hut Admin
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As one year draws to a close and another begins, many of us feel a familiar pressure to make New Year’s resolutions. Be fitter. Be happier. Be more productive. Yet by February, most resolutions have quietly fallen away, often leaving behind guilt, frustration or a sense of failure.
At The Wellbeing Therapy Hut, we encourage a kinder, more sustainable alternative: setting goals, not resolutions. Goals allow space for growth, flexibility and self-compassion — and when grounded in therapeutic principles, they can genuinely support your wellbeing as you move into 2026.
The Problem with New Year’s Resolutions
Resolutions tend to be:
Rigid and all-or-nothing
Focused on “fixing” perceived flaws
Driven by external pressure rather than internal values
From a Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) perspective, this can clash with our natural drive towards self-acceptance and growth. When goals come from self-criticism rather than self-understanding, they’re far harder to sustain.
If you’ve ever thought “I’ve already failed, so what’s the point?”, you’re not alone — and it’s not a lack of willpower. It’s often the structure of resolutions themselves that sets us up to struggle.
The Benefits of Setting Goals Instead
1. Goals Are Flexible and Compassionate
Unlike rigid resolutions, goals can evolve. They acknowledge that life changes, energy fluctuates and setbacks are part of being human. This aligns closely with Person-Centred Therapy, which emphasises unconditional positive regard and meeting yourself where you are, not where you think you should be.
A goal might sound like:
“I’d like to find ways to support my wellbeing this year.”
Rather than:
“I must never feel anxious again.”
2. Goals Support Realistic Thinking (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps us explore how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are connected. Many resolutions are fuelled by unhelpful thinking patterns such as:
All-or-nothing thinking
Perfectionism
Harsh self-criticism
Goal setting encourages more balanced, realistic thinking:
What’s achievable for me right now?
What small step could I take this week?
What might get in the way — and how could I respond kindly?
This approach reduces pressure and increases the likelihood of meaningful, lasting change.
3. Goals Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
From a Solution Focused perspective, we’re less interested in what’s “wrong” and more curious about:
What’s already working
Your existing strengths
Small, achievable steps forward
Rather than setting a vague resolution like “be happier”, a solution-focused goal might be:
“Notice one thing each day that helps me feel calmer.”
“Build one small habit that supports my emotional wellbeing.”
These goals create momentum — and confidence grows through success, not self-punishment.
How to Set Wellbeing-Focused Goals for 2026
You might find it helpful to ask yourself:
What do I want more of this year?
What would feeling ‘a little better’ actually look like?
What matters to me — not what I think I should do?
Try keeping goals:
Specific – clear and meaningful
Gentle – realistic and compassionate
Flexible – open to change
Remember, wellbeing isn’t about constant happiness. It’s about developing tools, understanding yourself better, and learning how to respond when life feels hard.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Setting goals can sometimes bring up uncertainty, self-doubt or old patterns that feel difficult to shift. That’s where therapy can help.
At The Wellbeing Therapy Hut, we offer a supportive space to explore your goals using Person-Centred, CBT and Solution Focused approaches — helping you understand yourself, challenge unhelpful thinking, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.
If you’re beginning 2026 and would like extra support with your wellbeing goals, we’d love to help.
Get in touch with The Wellbeing Therapy Hut today to find out how therapy could support you as you move into the new year with clarity, compassion and confidence.
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