Every New Year, we hear and see the same cycle — friends and family declaring that this is the year they are finally going to do blank. Whether it is to read more, start eating healthier, exercise more regularly, learn a new skill, start volunteering, the list goes on. We see the gyms become busier, people sharing their Goodreads lists and posting their healthier meals. Come February or March, it all seems to come to a halt. So why is it that these resolutions always seem doomed to fail?

I believe it comes down to us seeing others online accomplishing certain goals that we, too, would like to accomplish. We immediately start comparing our own lives to the ones we see on TikTok and Instagram and feel a desire to have that same fulfilment. On top of that, we see them achieve their goals from start to finish through updates that they may post, showing how “easy” it is to do. Thus, we start to think, “Hey, I can do that.” But sometimes that just isn’t the case — it isn’t always that easy. 

Don’t get me wrong, seeing others achieve their goals can be inspiring, but it’s also misleading. Social media can be a great place to get inspiration for setting goals or envisioning where you want to be in life — however, when setting a goal, it is so important to consider why you want to achieve it and how it can be possible within your specific lifestyle. Are you wanting to achieve it just because you saw someone else do so? And since they seem successful, for you to feel successful you have to do the same? Just because it works for one person and they only had to take these few steps to get there does not necessarily mean it will work the same way for you.

An example of a goal I would like to accomplish but know isn’t right for me right now is reading more. I used to be an avid reader when I was younger, and I really, really miss reading. Every time I see people I follow post their reading challenges and how much they’ve read so far in a year, I get so jealous. But knowing myself, I know I won’t realistically be able to read that much until I finish my degree. I know others can study and then switch to reading for fun, but it just does not work for me. Some people even set timers and just read for 10 minutes a day to start small, but setting rules around reading would just make it feel like a chore for me rather than something I actually enjoy. So for now, I will look longingly at my want-to-read list and only read whenever I feel motivated to. 

So, how do we set intentional, achievable goals that align with our own lives?

First, I would recommend looking at what you are doing now and where you spend the most time. Is there something you would like or could do less of that may free up time for a new hobby? Do you already lead an active lifestyle and know going to the gym more won’t be that crazy of a change? 

Second, I would really ask yourself if the goal is achievable for you, or does it need to be broken down into smaller goals first? For example, maybe if the gym is too daunting or you don’t know how to come up with a workout, you can try a new sport instead. 

If you are going into 2026 with multiple goals, maybe write them down in order of priority, so you know which is more important for you to focus on. Also, for each goal, define why it is you want to do it. I think when people just say they want to achieve a certain thing without giving it meaning for themselves, this is where they are letting themselves down. If there is no meaning or purpose behind your desire to achieve something, what will motivate you to do it when it gets hard? I think there is power in putting something in writing versus just saying you want to be better at something.

Finally, tell a friend your goal or make vision boards, so you can reach your goals together and keep each other accountable. I know my friends and I will be doing this come winter break. Setting intentional goals is much easier with people who know you and can help you. With that, good luck, Bisons. Happy New Year and here’s to our future achievements in 2026!