Goals, Not Resolutions: A Better Way Forward for the New Year

It was an ordinary morning at the gym—one of those casual conversations that start between sets and end up staying with you all day. My longtime friend Jim Burkett, someone I’ve worked alongside for years as a volunteer, asked a simple question most of us hear this time of year: “So, do you have any New Year’s resolutions?”

Without hesitation, I smiled and said, “No—and I learned a long time ago not to.” Not because I don’t believe in improvement, but because I repeatedly failed at resolutions. To me, they felt too matter-of-fact: either you do them… or you don’t. What did stick, what did work, was something deeper—goal setting. And as I’ve been revisiting a lesson from motivational speaker Jim Rohn—alongside insights echoed by coach Nick Saban—the difference between the two has never felt clearer.

Three Solid Takeaways

Resolutions Rely on Emotion. Goals Rely on Intention.
Resolutions often ride the wave of January motivation. Goals, on the other hand, are built with intention, clarity, and follow-through. Jim Rohn taught that goals aren’t about a date on the calendar—they’re about deciding who you’re willing to become. That distinction matters. Emotion fades. Intention endures.

Goals Give Direction—Not Just Desire.
Coach Saban has long emphasized process over promises. You don’t win championships by declaring intentions—you win by committing to daily disciplines. Goals create direction. They allow us to measure progress, recalibrate when needed, and stay engaged long after the excitement of a “fresh start” wears off.

Faith Is the Foundation Beneath the Goal.
Jim Burkett recently shared a moment that stopped me in my tracks. He was with his grandson on a northern property he owns, facing a freshly cut dirt road—steep and uncertain. Jim told his grandson there was less than a 30% chance they’d make it to the top. As he prepared to accelerate, his grandson quietly asked, “Do you think we should pray?”

That simple question said everything. Because if we don’t sprinkle our goals with faith—what foundation are we really building on? They prayed. They made it up the mountain. And a powerful lesson was passed from one generation to the next.

That moment reminded me that goals aren’t just about achievement—they’re about trust, humility, and believing there’s something greater guiding our steps. Resolutions may start strong, but goals—anchored in purpose, discipline, and faith—are what carry us forward when the road gets steep.

As this new year unfolds, my hope for you is simple: may you set goals that stretch you, sustain you, and steady you—and may faith be the quiet strength beneath every climb.

Wishing you the warmest blessings this season, and may all your goals come to fruition in the year ahead.    Bill