When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, everyone starts the year with the best intentions and big goals. They’re going to work out more, lose 10 pounds, save more money, spend more time with family and friends, get a new hobby, stop procrastinating – the list goes on.
According to a survey from Forbes in 2023, mental health and fitness were the top resolutions for 2024. And despite the best of intentions, only 1% of participants kept at their goal for 11 or 12 months – most gave up in four months or less.
New Year’s resolutions are a fun way to set a goal and start the new year off right, but you don’t have to wait until January 1st to take action. Successful goals require a thoughtful, strategic process, and winter break is an ideal time to reflect, reset, and start planning for 2026.
Should I Start Goal Planning Over Winter Break?
Absolutely! In general, winter is a slower time – fewer vacations, events, and running around than summer, less-hectic work schedules or busy school time, and a tendency to stay inside and hibernate.
Instead of cramming resolutions into the final hours of December 31 as the clock winds down, you can use the slower pace of the holidays to plan strategically. You can take time to brainstorm and structure your action plan now as a “head start” and reduce the pressure that often comes with January and sticking to your resolution.
Reflect on 2025
Before you look ahead, take stock of the year you’re leaving behind. Reflection is an important part of setting goals. You can evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and what matters most moving forward.
Ask yourself:
- What were my biggest goals for 2025?
- Did I achieve my goals or did I pivot to new opportunities?
- What challenges or barriers slowed me down?
- What habits or strengths kept me moving forward – and what held me back?
For example, maybe you planned to complete five higher-education courses, but you only finished three. That’s not failure – it’s data. You learned something about your priorities, pace, study habits, and how much you can handle. Use those lessons to adjust your expectations and set realistic goals for 2026.
Setting Goals for 2026
Time to look at the year ahead. Where do you want to be at the end of 2025?
Do you want to finish a degree? Build a healthier fitness routine? Upskill for your career? Eat better? Once you identify your vision, break it down into actionable steps.
SMART Goals
Each goal needs to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART). Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” your goal should be something like,” I will complete three 30-minute cardio workouts each week by March.”
Here’s an example of common goals with a SMART framework:
| Goal Type | Goal | SMART Version | First Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Finish a course | Complete three courses by July 2026 | Enroll in first course over winter break |
| Wellness | Get healthier | Walk 5,000 steps at least four days a week by March 2026 | Download a step-tracking app |
| Career | Improve job skills | Earn a project management certificate by October 2026 | Research and select a certificate program |
| Personal Growth | Read more books | Read 12 books by December 2026 | Choose first title and schedule time to read each day |
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Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals
Both small and big goals matter. Your short-term goals can be building blocks to your larger goals, such as saving 10% of your paycheck, joining a professional organization, or completing a single course toward your degree. They may not feel that big, but combined, they lead to long-term change.
Holistic Planning
Don’t just focus on one area of your life. Your educational, career, wellness, and personal relationship goals all work together for your success. Progress in one area often fuels another, and in some cases, facing challenges in one aspect of your life can hinder the others.
Start Early
You don’t have to wait until January 1st. You can use winter break to make progress by taking one small step, such as enrolling in a course, refreshing your routine, or focusing on healthier habits to start the new year strong.
Remember Accountability
Accountability matters. It’s much easier to skip your workout routines, procrastinate on course enrollment, or spend money you saved if you don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself. Share your goals with your friends, family, partner, or peers to gain accountability and encouragement.
Resources You Need to Achieve Your New Year’s Goals
The right tools can turn good intentions into consistent habits. Here are some options to help with your goals:
Goal Setting and Organization
- Keeping track of your goals – and the way to achieve them – in black and white can help.
- Digital calendars like Google Calendar or Outlook are ideal for scheduling workouts, study sessions, or hobby time.
- Tracking apps like Todoist or Notion help you track your habits and productivity.
- Physical options like planners, journals, or sticky notes can be effective for scheduling, motivational quotes, and encouragement.
Learning Platforms
Investing in your education can help you grow. Online learning platforms like Sophia Learning offer flexible, affordable courses for college that you complete at your own pace from the comfort of your own home, and can help you get ahead on your education goals. You can also explore platforms like Skillshare, Babbel, or Motion Math to brush up on specific skills like coding, math, creative writing, graphic design, or a new language.
Research and Inspiration
Motivation can wane over time, which is why so many resolutions are abandoned less than a quarter into the new year. Building a library of motivational and educational content can keep you inspired and encouraged.
- Podcasts: Follow podcasts in your field of interest or on productivity and wellness.
- Books: Invest in books relevant to your goals, like personal development or biographies of people you admire.
- Videos: YouTube tutorials, TED Talks, and online lectures can spark fresh ideas and keep you motivated.
Start 2026 Off Right
Setting New Year’s goals requires progress, not perfection. Use your winter break to reflect on 2025, clarify your priorities, and gather resources to start 2026 with concrete goals you can achieve. If you want to get a jump on your educational goals, start with a free trial at Sophia!
