Weekly Reflection| Why I’m Choosing Vision Over Resolutions This Year

Recently, a friend posed a question that often arises at this time of year:

“Any New Year’s resolutions?”

For the first time in a while, my response even surprised me.

No — not this year.

It's not due to a lack of belief in growth or a desire for change. Rather, over the years, I've come to understand something crucial: most resolutions emphasize short-term pressure rather than long-term purpose.

This phase of my life demands something more profound.

A Brief Look at New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions have ancient origins — from the Babylonians making promises to their gods, to early Christians using the new year for reflection and repentance. At their essence, resolutions were about renewal and intention.

However, over time, they turned into rigid checklists.

Research consistently indicates that most people do not maintain their New Year’s resolutions. Some studies suggest fewer than 20% actually follow through long-term. Many resolutions fade within the first few months, not due to a lack of discipline, but because the goals often lack a deeper why.

We strive for change without anchoring it to purpose.

Why I’m Choosing Vision Instead

This year, instead of resolutions, I’m opting for themes, vision, and direction.

Rather than asking:

• What do I want to fix this year?

  
  

I’m asking:

• Who am I becoming over the next 3–5 years?

• What kind of life am I intentionally building?

• What choices today move me closer to that vision?

  
  

A vision-led year doesn’t demand perfection. It invites alignment.

It allows room for growth, grace, and adjustment — while still moving forward.

From Resolutions to Purposeful Themes

Instead of one rigid goal, I’m focusing on purpose-driven themes that guide my decisions throughout the year.

For example:

• Being more intentional with my time

• Being more purposeful with my resources

• Creating meaningful experiences, especially with my kids

• Aligning daily habits with long-term stability and freedom

  
  

These aren’t resolutions I can “fail” at. They’re lenses through which I make decisions.

Real Life, Small Shifts: A Budgeting Example

One area that’s challenging for me — and probably for many — is budgeting.

Instead of setting a resolution like “save more money”, I’m anchoring it to a bigger purpose:

• Investing wisely

• Saving where possible

• And intentionally setting aside resources for experiences with my kids — the kind of memories that matter long after the moment passes

  
  

That vision leads to small, practical shifts:

• Making coffee at home instead of buying it daily

• Being more mindful about spending

• Asking, “Does this align with where I want to be in 3–5 years?”

  
  

These changes may seem small — but over time, they compound.

This isn’t about restriction. It’s about alignment.

The Power of Quarterly Reflection

Another shift I’m embracing this year is quarterly look-backs instead of year-end pressure.

Every few months, I want to pause and ask myself:

• Am I staying true to my mission?

• Are my choices reflecting my values?

• Am I closer to the life I envision — emotionally, financially, spiritually?

• What worked? What didn’t? What needs adjusting?

  
  

Growth isn’t linear. Reflection helps us course-correct without shame.

A Call to Action for This Year

If you’re feeling tired of resolutions that don’t stick, here’s a gentle invitation:

✨ Trade resolutions for vision.

✨ Trade pressure for purpose.

✨ Trade perfection for progress.

Ask yourself:

• What themes do I want to live by this year?

• What small changes support my bigger vision?

• What kind of life am I intentionally creating over the next few years?

You don’t need a list of rules. You need clarity, direction, and compassion for yourself along the way.

Small, intentional choices — made consistently — shape extraordinary lives.

And that’s a goal worth building toward.