Flipping New Year Resolutions for Growth: Celebrating Success Instead of Fixing Failures

Introduction

Every year, we set resolutions, and by the end of January, 80% of people have abandoned them. I’m not here to marvel over the 20% of remarkable people who somehow keep going and maintain focus. That’s not my thing, and plenty of others have already written copious words and articles on how to be one of the 2 in 10. Instead, I’m here to pose this question: rather than trying to fix things we think we aren’t good at or good enough for (too fat, too slow, too broke, too lonely, drink too much, spend too much, etc.), how about we flip that on its head? Let’s celebrate the things we did really well last year, do more of those, and build on them.

What Did I Do Well Last Year?

1. Resilience

I went through all sorts of financial challenges, including house sales, negotiations, and dealing with difficult people and situations. On top of that, I faced physical hurdles, such as foot surgery, perimenopause, and step-parenting challenges. Despite it all, I can confidently say that I navigated these situations while maintaining self-respect, authenticity, and staying true to my own beliefs and values.

Often, in resolving issues, we concede what is true to us or what we feel is right. We may become submissive to others’ needs to keep the peace or smooth things over. However, I learned that it’s possible to address issues with integrity and authenticity without compromising who we are. We can take a stand, say our piece, and find a way through more easily when others understand our needs, values, and boundaries.

2. Forgiving Myself

At the start of last year, I set ambitious intentions: to have the best year ever, lose a ton of weight, get super fit, and pursue countless other ventures. However, life had other plans. While helping others with their challenges, I underwent major foot surgery, which derailed my fitness and weight-loss goals. I also faced numerous unexpected challenges and detours.

Looking at it objectively, I didn’t achieve many of my initial goals. But when I flip that perspective, I realize I accomplished so much more than I ever anticipated. I found my purpose, set the vision for my new business, and began that journey. In this light, I happily forgive myself for not meeting every intention and instead celebrate all the growth and learning I achieved.

3. Letting People and Things Go

For years, I worried about what others thought of me. I often felt like I disappointed people or was "too much," too direct, or too submissive. I’d avoid expressing my true feelings to keep others happy. Last year, I let go of those patterns. I cut ties with people and things that didn’t align with my core values, and it was liberating.

I stopped hoping others would reciprocate the kindness or support I gave them. Instead, I realized that some people are simply unaware of how their actions affect others. Letting go wasn’t easy, especially when relationships are tied to deeply embedded behaviors and processes. But I discovered that true change starts with how we react, not with expecting others to change. This realization brought immense freedom and relief.

Looking Ahead for Growth: Building on What Worked

Practical Steps for Celebrating Success

In the year ahead, I’m focusing on what I did well and doing more of it. Rather than fixating on a laundry list of self-improvements destined to fizzle out by mid-January, I’m setting challenges and bucket-list goals that I genuinely want to achieve before I turn 50 next Decembe

These goals are fun and meaningful to me: learning Italian, playing guitar, trying bridge, and even participating in La Tomatina in Spain (chucking tomatoes at strangers sounds delightful!). Some of these challenges will undoubtedly be messy, but I’ll embrace the experience and surprises along the way.

The moral of this story is simple for success, growth, and self satisfaction:

Setting Bucket List Goals for the New Year

1) Set challenges you genuinely want to achieve for the right reasons—because they’re fun, engaging, or meaningful—not because you feel you should.

2) Celebrate those moments when you’re seemingly knocked off track. Often, these detours teach you something new or lead to unexpected brilliance.

Let’s flip resolutions on their head. Instead of focusing on fixing ourselves, let’s celebrate our successes and build a future rooted in growth and joy.