Setting goals for 2024 to ring in the new year right

Setting goals for a new year is like building a road map for the next 12 months. It gives us a chance to consider where we’re at, what we want, and how to get there. Without a plan, we’re more likely to wander aimlessly or waste time on tactics that won’t work. 

Goal setting requires structure, and using the start of a new year to reflect on progress and set new goals is great for this. It’s no wonder New Year’s resolutions are so common — and that we so commonly fail. 

Most years, 80% of goal-setters fail to meet their resolutions by February. 

Don’t worry — we’ll discuss the importance of defining goals and outline examples you can use when setting goals for 2024 to help you stay on track all year long.

Are New Year goals and resolutions the same thing?

"New Year goals" and "New Year resolutions" are terms often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different connotations. While goals are specific, measurable, and often involve a strategic plan with actionable steps, resolutions are more like firm commitments or decisions to make a change. 

Both approaches can be effective, and individuals may choose to use either term based on personal preference or the nature of the changes they want to make in the new year. The key is to approach either goals or resolutions with a mindset of commitment, dedication, and a willingness to make positive changes. 

Here's a brief distinction between the two:

New Year goals

• Definition: Goals are specific, measurable, and achievable objectives that you set for yourself to work towards over a specific period, such as the coming year.
• Characteristics: Good goals are often well-defined, with clear actions and milestones. They can cover various aspects of life, including career, health, relationships, personal development, and more.
• Approach: Goal setting typically involves breaking down larger aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks. These can be yearly goals or even daily, weekly, or monthly goals. It's a structured and strategic approach to self-improvement.

New Year resolutions

• Definition: Resolutions are firm decisions to do or not do something. They often involve a commitment to make a significant change in behavior or lifestyle.
• Characteristics: Resolutions are often broader and may lack the specificity of goals. They are commonly associated with making a fresh start or a commitment to self-improvement.
• Approach: Resolutions are more about making a firm decision or declaration to change, often without the detailed action plans associated with goals. They can be more general and may not have the same level of specificity as goals.

How to set goals for the next year

Your goals for 2024 will be personal to you. They’ll likely be defined by your values, lifestyle, and ideologies. Here are some general steps for self-discovery to help you identify goals that resonate with the person you are now and who you want to become.

1. Reflect on past years

A great way to set your goals is to think about what you achieved the following year. Consider what worked and didn’t so you can make any necessary adjustments. 

The prize of goal setting is what you accomplish, so incentivize yourself for future goals by reviewing and celebrating what you achieved this past year. 

Sometimes, life gets in the way of goals we were excited about. Note the things you didn’t accomplish and whether they’re goals you wish to take on again in the new year. This might be a great opportunity to adjust the goal to be more attainable to set yourself up for success this time around. 

When considering which unattained goals to keep, consider the following: 

1. Was it too broad, and if so, how can I break it into smaller items?
2. Did I build a plan to reach this goal?
3. Was it attainable in the first place? If not, what do I need to do to make it attainable?
4. Did an external factor make my goal too tricky to accomplish?
5. Did I have the proper resources to achieve my goal?
6. Do I still want this? 

2. Define your values and priorities

Clarify your core values and priorities in life. You could try writing a personal value statement to solidify the connection between your values and your goals. Ensure that the goals you set align with these foundational elements, promoting a sense of meaning and fulfillment.  When working to identify your values, consider the following:

1. What matters most to me?
2. What qualities do I want to embody?
3. What is important for my physical and mental health?
4. How can I live my life in alignment with these values and priorities?

Answering these questions will help you decide which goals are worth pursuing and set realistic expectations as you move forward in your life.  With a clear understanding of who you are and what you stand for, it will be easier to create lasting change.

3. Categorize your goals

Organize your goals into categories such as career, health, personal development, relationships, and hobbies. For example, if you have a goal to read 15 books in the next year that might fit into your personal development category. This categorization ensures a balanced approach to your aspirations. It also allows you to prioritize and focus on the most important goals.

4. Choose SMART goals

Setting SMART goals ensures you’re working smarter, not harder. SMART goals share five traits to give you a strong framework:

1. Specific: Avoid broad, ill-defined goals. Turn long-term goals into several short-term ones, and note the resources necessary to achieve each one. They should be as specific as possible to keep you focused. 
2. Measurable: Define how you’ll measure progress and success. Include both short and long-term milestones. If you can’t tell how you’re progressing, it’ll be harder to stay motivated.
3. Achievable: Think critically and honestly about what you’re capable of achieving, considering all obligations and resource constraints. Do you have the skills necessary to reach this milestone? Do you want to train for a marathon when you should start with a 10K race?
4. Realistic: Consider whether you have the time, energy, and resources necessary to reach each goal. Remember to account for every goal you have when considering the bigger picture and be honest about how much progress you can make in one month.
5. Time-bound: Ambiguous goals without start and end dates are difficult to measure. Having a due date also helps you stay motivated because it gives you a finish-line celebration to look toward — and adds accountability. 

5. Break down larger goals

Break down overarching goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach facilitates progress tracking and helps maintain motivation by achieving incremental success.  With each goal broken down, you can gain momentum and celebrate smaller wins to keep yourself motivated.

6. Prioritize your goals

Determine the importance of each goal and prioritize accordingly. Concentrate on a select few key objectives rather than dispersing efforts across numerous pursuits. This allows you to focus and invest the most time and effort into achievable goals. It also helps make sure that tasks don't get neglected, as each goal is given equal importance.

7. Create an action plan with clear milestones

Develop a detailed action plan for each goal. Outline the specific steps required, set milestones, and establish deadlines to keep yourself accountable.

Continuously monitor your progress and milestone points for completing certain objectives. Milestones track intermediate successes while offering the opportunity to reward yourself with various incentives throughout the process — boosting motivation and morale at every stage of your journey.

8. Locate an accountability partner

Accountability is crucial for achieving goals as it fosters commitment, responsibility, and motivation. When individuals are held accountable, they are more likely to stay focused on their objectives and consistently work towards them. 

External accountability, such as sharing goals with a friend, mentor, or coach, adds a social dimension that encourages progress through support and feedback. 

Accountability also provides a framework for evaluating and adjusting goals, ensuring continued relevance and adaptability. Ultimately, the sense of responsibility that comes with being accountable enhances discipline, resilience, and the likelihood of successful goal attainment.

So share your goals with a friend, family member, or mentor who can provide support and hold you accountable. Consider joining a group or finding a buddy with similar goals for mutual encouragement.

9. Try to remain flexible

Success doesn’t sprout overnight. Oftentimes, goals take longer or more work than we expect. So stay open to adjusting goals as circumstances change.  Adapt your plans as needed, recognizing that flexibility is essential for sustained progress. Keep in mind that the journey may look different than expected, and that’s ok.

10. Regularly celebrate achievements, review, and adjust

Schedule regular check-ins to review your progress. Be prepared to adjust your goals and action plans based on what is and isn't working, ensuring continued alignment with your evolving needs and circumstances.

Through it all, remember to acknowledge and celebrate your successes, regardless of size. Positive reinforcement fosters motivation and enhances your commitment to the goal-setting process.

11. Practice self-compassion

In the face of setbacks or challenges, practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself, learn from experiences, and view challenges as opportunities for personal growth.

Remember, goal setting is a dynamic process. It's acceptable to revisit and adjust goals as your priorities evolve. Stay focused, motivated, and adaptable throughout the year for a successful journey of personal and professional development.

Setting goals for 2024

Before defining what you want to achieve in the new year, break your brainstorming session into time periods accounting for daily, weekly, monthly, and 12-month goals. Once you’ve decided on your goals for 2024, you can sort them into these sections. 

Set yourself up for success by focusing on one goal at a time in each area of your life. Research from the Harvard Business School found that even if you set multiple goals, you’ll probably only focus on one. Scheduling your goals — which ones you’ll focus on in which months — will help you excel across the board. 

This isn’t to say you can’t train to run 10K and work to wake up earlier at the same time. Those goals might even complement each other nicely. But training to run that race while aiming to increase your squat strength and start practicing yoga might be more fitness goals than you can manage at once. Keep running as your focus for part of the year, and once you’ve achieved that goal, turn to the next one.

To help inspire you, we’ve outlined goal examples for different areas of your life. Here are some goals to consider taking on in the new year. 

Personal goals for 2024

These goals are all about what we think would make our lives happier and more fulfilling. They’re typically related to personal development so we feel we’re becoming the best version of ourselves. 

Here are some personal goal examples:

1. Read a certain number of books this year
2. Develop a journaling practice
3. Pick up a new hobby, such as cooking or gardening 
4. Travel to a foreign country
5. Build a morning or bedtime routine
6. Spend more time in nature
7. Browse social media less
8. Create the boundaries necessary to enjoy work-life balance
9. Prioritize alone time

Financial goals for the new year

These focus on increasing our finances or paying off debt. They require looking at what we have now and crunching the numbers to figure out what we need to achieve our goals. 

Financial goals typically require long-term planning, which many people find overwhelming. Studies show 70% of American households don’t have a long-term financial plan. While it’s scary, these are important goals to make to ensure you don’t feel even more overwhelmed about your financial wellness in the future. 

Planning your finances also increases the likelihood you’ll have the money necessary to achieve other goals, such as trying out an expensive hobby or taking a vacation. 

Here are some financial goal examples:

1. Save X amount of money for a mortgage
2. Pay off credit card debt
3. Build an emergency fund
4. Start a college fund
5. Invest money
6. Save X amount of money for retirement

Health goals for next year

When we prioritize our mental and physical health, every other area of our life improves. We’re better family members, partners, and employees when we feel great, think clearly, and have energy to give. 

Here are a few health goal examples:

1. Drink more water
2. Quit smoking
3. Implement a healthy sleep schedule
4. Run a marathon
5. Eat a more balanced diet
6. Go to a public exercise class weekly
7. Start individual or group therapy
8. Learn mindfulness and meditation
9. Practice gratitude
10. Spend more time outside
11. Develop an exercise hobby such as swimming, jogging, or cycling

Relationship goals for 2024

Our relationships and social health are enormous parts of our lives. Healthy connections bring us happiness and comfort. Toxic relationships introduce anxiety and stress. 

Consider setting relationship goals with the other person when possible. It’s more likely you’ll develop increased intimacy with a partner or spend more quality time with a friend if they’re on the same page about deepening your relationship. 

Your relationship goals might include:

1. Call grandparents more often
2. Check in with partner daily
3. Develop healthy communication skills
4. Practice active listening
5. Make time for intimacy with your partner
6. Find friends with common interests

Career goals for next year

Setting professional goals is an integral part of career planning. No matter where you’re at professionally, there’s always room to learn new skills and make changes. 

Your career goals might be to:

1. Apply for an internship
2. Become or find a mentor
3. Learn a new skill
4. Study for a certification
5. Get a raise or promotion
6. Find a new job
7. Improve time-management skills
8. Update your LinkedIn profile
9. Define your small business goals

Tips to stay motivated and achieve your goals in 2024

Setting goals and achieving them are two different things. The latter requires constant motivation, ambition, and resilience.

To figure out what motivates you, think about goals you’ve accomplished and why they were successful. Define your values and consider how these can inspire you to achieve your goals. 

Here are four more things that’ll set you up for success: 

1. Understand your goal: Before working toward a goal, ask yourself why you set it. Write this initial motivator down and remind yourself of it whenever you’re feeling unmotivated. Remember: Your why can change — you just need to have one.
2. Make a plan: Goals are less overwhelming when broken into smaller, easily achievable tasks. Having a plan and focusing on the smaller, more immediate steps will make your goal feel achievable.
3. Ask for help: Most of us accomplish more when held accountable by someone else. We can talk ourselves out of doing something, but if we feel we owe it to someone we respect and admire we’re more likely to follow through. Tell a friend, family member, or coach about your goal and ask them to check in on your progress. 
4. Be flexible: Life is predictably unpredictable. There’s no sense in feeling discouraged if life throws you a curveball that messes with your plan. If circumstance makes one task or goal impossible, make adjustments and focus on what you can control. Remember to be kind to yourself for trying your best.

Reaching your 2024 goals

The most important part of striving to achieve your goals is staying positive. Beating yourself up won’t get you anywhere — it’ll only make you feel less capable and valuable. 

If you set SMART goals and think critically when planning, you’ll likely succeed. (Unless life gives you lemons, and even then you know what to do.) And you’re worth investing time into, so don’t let your inner critic tell you otherwise when you’re setting goals for 2024.