How to Set Wellness Goals for the New Year

The new year is here and it’s great to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go. Setting wellness goals is a great way to prioritize your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We aren’t here to set extreme, excessive goals. You’re in the wrong place if that’s your vibe.

So how can you set meaningful wellness goals that actually stick? Let’s dive into a simple, actionable plan to help you create goals that align with your vision for a thriving year ahead.

1. Reflect on Your Current Wellness

Before you can set goals, it’s important to take stock of where you are right now. Ask yourself:

• What’s working well in my health and wellness?

• Where do I feel stuck or unfulfilled?

• What’s one area of my life I’d like to feel more balanced in?

This reflection doesn’t have to take hours. Grab a notebook, jot down your thoughts, and identify the areas you’re most excited to improve.

2. Get Specific with Your Goals

Vague goals often lead to vague results. Instead of saying, “I want to eat healthier,” let’s try to get more specific. Something like “I will meal prep my lunch with whole foods three times a week.” or “I will have either eggs and chicken sausage or avocado toast for breakfast ”The more specific your goal, the easier it is to take action. Keeping it simple, and specific allows you to know exactly what you need to do to achieve your goals. 

3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

As a recovering perfectionist and someone who has a past with disordered eating, there is no thing as perfect. It’s tempting to aim for a perfect routine, but life rarely goes according to plan. Instead, focus on making consistent progress. Our bodies are not robots. Especially as women, our cycles fluctuate, we are hungrier some days over others, and we can get trapped in this “perfect way of eating”, which then if it’s not met, we say “fuck it”. 

The all or nothing mindset will get you absolutely nowhere. Progress, over perfection. We are not meant to be perfect, nor is that humanly possible. 

For example, if your goal is to move your body daily, acknowledge the effort whether it’s a full workout or a 10-minute stretch. Both are better than not moving your body at all. 

4. Prioritize What Feels Good

Wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. We are all different, and our bodies require different things. Your goals should reflect what makes you feel your best, not what you think you should do. If journaling feels like a chore, skip it. If dancing in your living room lights you up, go for it!

When your goals feel enjoyable, you’re much more likely to stick with them.

5. Break It Down

Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller, manageable steps. For instance:

• Big goal: “Improve my sleep.”

• Small steps:

• Create a calming bedtime routine.

• Limit screen time an hour before bed.

• Try a guided meditation for relaxation.

Each small step brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Bringing it back to being specific, it is so helpful to break down the big goal into actionable steps so we KNOW what we are trying to do to become a healthier version of ourselves. 

6. Stay Accountable

Accountability can make all the difference. Share your goals with a friend, join a supportive community, or use a habit-tracking app to keep yourself on track. Regular check-ins can help you stay motivated and adjust your approach as needed. 

I recently got the oura ring, and feel like it’s my little accountability buddy telling me to move after sitting at my desk for two hours. Whether it’s the oura ring, your gym buddy, or your growth-passionate bestie, check in! 

7. Reflect and Adjust

Wellness is a journey, not a destination. It’s so important to periodically reflect on your goals and progress. Are they still serving you? Do you need to tweak them? Do I still want to prioritize this over other things? Flexibility is key to making your wellness journey sustainable.

Examples of Wellness Goals

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.

• Practice gratitude by writing down three things you’re thankful for each day.

• Take a 15-minute walk during your lunch break.

• Swap one processed snack for a whole food option each day.

• Schedule a monthly self-care day to recharge.

Final Thoughts

Setting wellness goals for the new year doesn’t have to be complicated. By reflecting on your current habits, getting specific, and focusing on what feels good, you can create a roadmap for a healthier, happier you.

Remember: progress over perfection. Every small step you take is a win worth celebrating. Here’s to a year filled with growth, balance, and feeling your absolute best!

What’s one wellness goal you’re setting for the new year?

Stay well, 

Nicole