As the calendar turns and a new year begins, many of us are inspired to set goals, resolutions, and intentions. It's a time for reflection, growth, and renewal. But have you ever wondered why, by the time February rolls around, most of those resolutions are already forgotten or abandoned? The truth is, New Year resolutions often fail because they can be rigid, unrealistic, and too focused on quick fixes rather than long-term growth. This year, let's challenge the conventional idea of making a laundry list of resolutions and instead embrace a mindset of continuous progress. After all, you are not a project — you are a process.

Trouble with resolutions

Every year, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions. The most common ones include promises to lose weight, exercise more, read more books, save money, or quit bad habits. But why do so many resolutions fizzle out by the time January comes to a close? The problem with traditional resolutions is that they are often goal-centric and focused on achieving a specific result within a set period. They treat success as a destination, not a journey.

This can lead to frustration, especially if the goals are unrealistic or based on external pressure. For example, setting an ambitious goal to lose 20 pounds in a month without acknowledging the lifestyle changes needed to support that goal can be discouraging. Additionally, the binary nature of resolutions — success or failure — doesn’t leave much room for growth or adaptability. If you don’t meet your resolution within the timeline you’ve set, you feel like you’ve failed, which can cause a loss of motivation.

Power of process

Instead of thinking of yourself as a project that needs to be completed within a year, start seeing yourself as a process — a continuous evolution. The difference between focusing on a goal and focusing on the process is profound. When you focus on the process, the emphasis shifts from a fixed outcome to building better habits and making incremental improvements over time.

In this approach, it’s less about checking off boxes on a list and more about cultivating a mindset of growth and progress. For example, rather than setting a goal to read 50 books in a year, focus on the process of integrating reading into your daily routine — even if it’s just a chapter or two a day. The goal becomes less about hitting a target and more about enjoying the act of reading, expanding your knowledge, and nurturing your mind.

Embrace small changes

The key to sustainable growth is not about big, dramatic changes, but rather small, consistent actions that compound over time. Think of it like a journey where each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your destination. Instead of overloading yourself with a long list of resolutions, focus on making one or two small changes that align with your values and priorities.

If fitness is a priority for you, instead of committing to an hour at the gym every day, start with 15 minutes of movement each morning. Once this becomes a habit, you can build on it gradually. By taking a process-oriented approach, you allow yourself the flexibility to adapt, experiment, and adjust your goals without feeling restricted by an artificial deadline or standard.

Set intentions

Setting intentions rather than resolutions gives you the freedom to be flexible and patient with yourself. Intentions are more about your mindset and your overall approach to life. For instance, if one of your intentions is to "live more mindfully," this doesn't require a specific action to be checked off. Instead, it encourages you to take a step back and engage with the present moment, make thoughtful decisions, and reflect regularly on how you can integrate mindfulness into your day-to-day life.

When you set an intention, you are giving yourself permission to grow in ways that feel right for you, rather than being bound by a rigid structure. Intentions are less about outcomes and more about the journey — the process of becoming the best version of yourself.

Journey over destination

We live in a world that often prioritizes quick fixes, instant gratification, and goal-oriented thinking. However, true growth is rarely linear. It’s messy, unpredictable, and unique to each individual. That’s why focusing on the process — not just the end result — is key to a fulfilling and sustainable New Year.

Instead of treating your life as a series of projects with distinct goals to accomplish, treat it as a journey. Celebrate the small victories along the way, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks or detours. These are all part of the process. Life is not a destination, but a continuous evolution of learning, growing, and changing.

(The writer is a mental health and behavioural sciences columnist, conducts art therapy workshops and provides personality development sessions for young adults. She can be found @the_millennial_pilgrim on Instagram and Twitter)