By Brenda Dempsey
No Resolutions Required: How to Keep Your Goals Alive Every Day
Ah, the New Year. The season of gym memberships, fresh planners, and ambitious declarations like “This is my year!” It’s the perfect excuse to set shiny new goals, right? Well, sort of. But here’s the thing: waiting for the first of January to hit the reset button on your dreams is like waiting for a green light at an empty intersection. You don’t need permission to start moving toward what you want.
At Book Brilliance Publishing, we believe in taking control of your goals every single day. Why? Because real growth doesn’t wait for the calendar to flip. Let’s dive into why ongoing goal setting is your ticket to achieving your dreams and how you can embrace it like the rockstar you are.
New Year, New Who?
Let’s be honest: New Year’s resolutions have a bit of a reputation problem. Studies show that about 80% of them fizzle out by February. Why? Because they’re often based on fleeting motivation rather than sustainable action. The excitement of “new year, new me” wears off, and suddenly that goal to write your bestseller or launch your business feels as distant as Mars.
The BBP Take: Don’t fall for the hype of one big “restart”. Instead, focus on micro-moments of renewal. Every Monday, every morning, or even every moment can be a chance to recommit to your vision. The secret sauce? Consistency. Tiny, deliberate steps will always outperform grand but short-lived efforts.
Why Ongoing Goal Setting Works
- It Builds Momentum
Waiting for a specific date to start chasing your dreams is like leaving your car in neutral. Ongoing goal setting keeps your engine running. Each small achievement fuels the next, creating a ripple effect of progress.
Pro Tip: Break your big goals into smaller, actionable steps. Want to write a book? Start with a paragraph a day. Small wins add up faster than you think.
- It’s Adaptable
Life doesn’t always play by your rules. Ongoing goal setting allows you to pivot and adjust without losing sight of the big picture. Think of it as recalibrating your GPS when you hit a detour.
BBP Wisdom: Your goals should grow with you. The vision you set in January might evolve by June—and that’s okay! Revisit and refine regularly.
- It Keeps You Engaged
A once-a-year reset can feel like a far-off fantasy. Ongoing goal setting keeps your aspirations front and centre, reminding you daily why you started in the first place.
Quick Hack: Write your goals down and keep them visible. Whether it’s a sticky note on your mirror or a digital reminder, visibility breeds accountability.
The Problem with “Someday” Thinking
We’ve all been there: “Someday, I’ll start that business.” “Someday, I’ll write that book.” But someday is a slippery slope. It’s vague, noncommittal, and frankly, a bit of a dream-killer. The truth? Someday isn’t a strategy—and it’s not a date on the calendar.
The BBP Reality Check: Your dreams deserve a deadline. Instead of waiting for “someday,” give yourself a clear timeline and take the first step now. Even if it’s small, it’s movement—and momentum is everything.
How to Make Ongoing Goal Setting Work for You
- Set SMART Goals
You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Example: Instead of saying, “I want to write a book,” say, “I will write 500 words every weekday for the next three months.”
- Reflect and Reassess
Regular check-ins are a game changer. What’s working? What isn’t? Adjust as needed.
BBP Wisdom: Think of your goals like a manuscript—a first draft is never perfect. Revise, refine, and keep going.
- Celebrate the Wins
Progress deserves applause, no matter how small. Finished your first chapter? Treat yourself to a fancy coffee. Landed your first client? Pop that sparkling water.
Pro Tip: Acknowledging milestones keeps you motivated for the long haul.
Real Talk: Why This Matters
Ongoing goal setting isn’t just about productivity—it’s about living a life that aligns with your passions and purpose. It’s about giving yourself permission to dream big and act boldly, even when it’s messy or inconvenient. The truth is, your dreams don’t come with an expiration date. What matters is that you keep moving toward them.
At Book Brilliance Publishing, we’ve seen what happens when people commit to their goals. We’ve helped authors who started with just a vague idea and turned it into a bestselling book. We’ve watched entrepreneurs grow their influence and change lives. And guess what? None of them waited for January 1st to get started.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re tired of waiting for the “right time,” we’re here to help you make it happen now. Whether it’s writing your book, building your brand, or creating a legacy, Book Brilliance Publishing is your partner in brilliance. Because your dreams deserve more than a once-a-year resolution—they deserve action, every single day.
So, what’s your next step? Let’s make it happen together.