As the end of the year approaches, many of us will be thinking about our New Year’s Resolution goals, those pesky promises we make to ourselves to improve, change, or try something new once the clock strikes midnight on December 31st.
But what if you didn’t wait?
Starting your goals in December rather than January can give you the best possible chance of success. By getting a head start, you’ll build positive momentum, create healthy habits, and enter the new year already feeling motivated and accomplished.
Whether your goal is to improve your health, build confidence, or gain more independence, having the right support can make the journey easier. At KompleteCare, we are here to help you plan, prepare, and stay on track with your New Year’s resolution goals by offering guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance tailored to your needs.
Here’s how to set, start, and achieve your New Year’s Resolution goals, before the new year even begins.
Set Clear and Achievable Goals
The first step to success is clarity. Many people struggle with resolutions because they set goals that are too vague. “Get fit”, “save money”, or “be happier”; whilst these are excellent intentions, they need structure to become reality. To make your goals stick, use the SMART method: set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-specific. As an example, if your goal was to “get fit”, then you could follow the guidelines below:
Specific – Be clear about what you want to achieve. Instead of just saying “get fit”, try something more like “go for a 30-minute walk three times a week”. It aligns with the overall goal of getting fitter, but it includes the specifics of how that fitness might occur.
Measurable – You want to be able to track your progress toward a goal. It sets benchmarks to track your progress and can help keep you accountable to the end goal. You could try logging your steps, tracking the distance you cover, or writing down your daily achievements.
Achievable – Set a goal that’s realistic and fits into your lifestyle. Start small and build up over time. If you have a lower fitness base, you aren’t going to run a marathon in a week. Start by walking three times a week; over time, you can increase the frequency, distance, length, etc.
Relevant – Make sure the goal matters to you personally. You’re more likely to stick with something that genuinely improves your life. You wouldn’t say, “My New Year’s Resolution is for Barry next door to get fit” The goal must be about you and things that directly affect you.
Time-specific – Give yourself a deadline or timeframe. For example, by March 1st, I’ll be able to walk 5km comfortably. Or by March 1st, I’ll be able to walk for 30 minutes every day.
When your goals are SMART, they become a plan rather than a wish.
Start Small and Start Now
December is often seen as a time to relax and reset, which makes it the perfect time to quietly start new habits without the pressure of the “New Year, New Me” rush.
Starting now gives you a gentle head start. You can begin slowly, experiment with what works and make adjustments before the new year begins.
Think of December as your trial month, a soft launch of your New Year’s Resolution. Use the small steps to start ticking off your SMART goals. Smaller steps are more specific, they are easily measurable, they are more attainable, they are realistic of your current situation, and they are time-specific, as you can build on them the more you complete them.
If your goal is to eat healthier, you might begin by adding one extra serving of vegetables to your meals. If your goal is to be more active, start by parking a little further away from the shops or taking a short evening stroll. Try the stairs instead of the lift. Small, consistent actions are the foundation of long-term success.
Plan for Success
Once your goal is set, the next step is to create a plan for achieving it. A plan turns your resolution into a routine.
Here are a few ways you can plan for success:
Schedule it – Put your goals in your calendar like appointments, and treat them as commitments, not options.
Prepare your environment – If your goal is to cook more at home, stock your fridge with healthy ingredients. If it is to exercise, set out your workout clothes the night before and fill up your drink bottle, so you are ready to go the next day with minimal extra steps.
Find accountability: share your goals with a friend, colleague, or support worker. Having someone check in can keep you motivated.
Celebrate progress – don’t wait until the end. Each step forward is worth recognising.
Remember, preparation builds confidence. At the risk of sounding like a high school PE teacher, remember the four P’s: Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. The more you plan, the easier it becomes to follow through.
Stay Motivated through the Holidays
It can be tricky to focus on resolutions during the festive season. There are parties, family events, and plenty of distractions. But that’s precisely why starting early is so powerful; you’ll learn how to keep your goals flexible and realistic even during busy times.
If you slip up, don’t give up. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Take each day as a fresh opportunity to do one small thing that moves you closer to your goal.
You might even find that your goal enhances your enjoyment of the holidays. A walk after Christmas lunch, mindful gift spending, or volunteering in your community can all align beautifully with your resolutions.
Common New Year’s Resolution Goals (and how to start early)
Looking for ideas on common New Year’s Resolution Goals? Here are some of the most popular, and a few ways to begin before the new year arrives.
- Improve your health: Try adding one extra fruit or vegetable to your daily meals this month.
- Be more active: Go for a 10-minute walk each day, gradually increasing your time.
- Save money/spend less: Start tracking your spending before the holiday rush.
- Learn something new: Take a short online course or read a book about a topic that interests you. You could learn a new language, a new skill or develop a better understanding of an old one.
- Be more organised: Declutter one small space in your home each week. Keep a calendar of small tasks, not just significant events. Have a schedule for cleaning activities, such as indoor cleaning on Saturday morning one week and outdoor cleaning the following week, etc.
- Give back: Volunteering your time or supporting a local community program is not only rewarding but also genuinely helps others.
- Focus on wellbeing: Set aside five minutes a day for mindfulness, journaling or self-reflection.
- Quit smoking: Reduce gradually by cutting down the amount you smoke each day or delaying your first cigarette for an hour. Keep a small notebook to help identify triggers and swap the habit. Replace the motion of smoking with a simple alternative, like chewing gum, sipping water or taking a short walk.
- Travel more: Choose a destination by picking one place, and learn about the best times to travel and approximate costs. Set a savings plan, research accessibility and support options and create a simple timeline of when you want to book flights, accommodation, and activities. Small planning steps all add up fast.
Whatever your goal, starting now gives you time to learn, adjust, and build consistency, so that by January, you’re already ahead.
How KompleteCare Can Help You Reach Your Goals
At KompleteCare, we understand that everyone’s goals are unique, and sometimes you may need a little support along the way.
Whether your New Year’s Resolution is to become more independent, stay active at home, or build confidence in your daily routine, our compassionate team is here to help you achieve it.
From personal care and domestic assistance to community support and companionship, we work with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you reach your own version of success, whatever that looks like for you.
Starting your New Year’s Resolution goals early isn’t just about getting ahead; it’s about giving yourself the time and space to grow at your own pace.
So don’t wait for January 1st, start today, start small, and step confidently into the new year already moving towards the life you want to create.