Ah, December—the month when everything feels like a Hallmark movie waiting to happen. There’s a certain magic to it, isn’t there? The air feels crisp; people are either joyfully over-decorating or muttering about how early the lights and tree went up, and everything from coffee to candles smells suspiciously like cinnamon. However, beyond the festive chaos and inevitable cookie platters, December holds something even more profound: the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and set meaningful goals.
Unlike January, when the “New Year, New You” marketing machine is in full throttle (cue eye-roll), December offers a quieter, more genuine moment to think about what really matters. It’s a chance to consider not just what you want to achieve but WHY it matters to you. And hey, wouldn’t it be nice to roll into January with a game plan instead of a vague resolution to “eat better” that dissolves by February 1st?
So, grab your favorite cozy beverage—tea, coffee, eggnog, mulled wine—I won’t judge—and let’s talk about why goal setting in December is like adding sprinkles to your life’s cupcake: completely worth it.
The Problem with “Perfect Resolutions” and Why You Should Ignore Them
We’ve all been there. January rolls around, and suddenly, everyone you know is committing to things like running a marathon, meditating for an hour every morning, or giving up sugar forever ( goodbye happiness). By February, the gym parking lot is empty, the yoga mat is collecting dust, and the stale sugar-free cookies are haunting your pantry.
Here’s the truth: resolutions that sound perfect on paper often fall flat because they’re rooted in shoulds instead of wants. When we chase goals that aren’t truly aligned with who we are or what we value, burnout is inevitable. This is why December is such a gift—it gives us time to slow down, think deeply, and craft goals that feel personal and sustainable.
Let’s reframe the idea of goal setting. Instead of aiming for “perfect,” let’s aim for “real.” A realistic goal isn’t boring; it’s freeing. It means setting yourself up for success rather than exhaustion. It’s deciding that progress beats perfection, and that small, consistent steps are what build the foundation for significant changes.
Because Life is More Than Kale Smoothies
Now, let’s zoom out. When we talk about health goals, we’re not just talking about eating more vegetables or bench-pressing your body weight (though both are excellent pursuits). Actual health is more profound. It’s about creating harmony in every aspect of your life. Think of it like a table with six legs: relational, mental, environmental, existential, physical, and emotional health. When all six are sturdy, life feels balanced. But when one leg becomes uneven–say, your mental health is suffering–the whole table becomes wobbly, and it throws everything off.
Here’s what deep health might look like in practice:
- Relational Health: Prioritizing quality time with loved ones instead of doom-scrolling.
- Mental Health: Committing to 10 minutes of meditation each day, even if your mind wanders.
- Environmental Health: Finally decluttering that overpacked closet that’s secretly stressing you out.
- Existential Health: Exploring what gives your life meaning, whether it’s volunteering, painting, or dancing like nobody’s watching (guilty).
- Physical Health: Setting fitness goals that match your abilities, not someone else’s Instagram highlight reel or TikTok video.
- Emotional Health: Learning to sit with your feelings instead of drowning them in Netflix (or an entire box of frosted chocolate cake donuts).
By considering all these dimensions, you’re not just setting goals, you’re building a life that feels whole and fulfilling.
Reflection: Your December Superpower
Before we dive headfirst into goal setting, let’s hit pause for a second and reflect. December isn’t just the season for ugly Christmas sweaters and gift wrap that refuses to cooperate; it’s also the perfect time to review the past year. Think of it like a highlights reel–not just the wins, but the outtakes and behind-the-scenes bloopers, too.
Start by asking yourself some thought-provoking questions.
- What went well this year? Celebrate those victories, no matter how small. Did you start drinking more water? Make it to the gym once a week? Did you finally learn the difference between parsley and cilantro? Wins are wins.
- What didn’t go so well? Be honest, but be kind to yourself. Maybe you over-committed or let stress take the wheel a little too often. Reflection isn’t about self-criticism–it’s about understanding where you can grow.
- What brought you joy? Was it morning walks, laughing with friends, or that homemade 4-layer birthday cake you nailed? Moments like these can offer clues about what really matters to you.
- What’s one thing you would have liked to have done differently? Not to dwell but to learn. Regret can be a very powerful teacher and tool if you let it guide you, not shame you.
When you take the time to reflect, you gain clarity. Clarity is the secret sauce of meaningful goal setting. Plus, reflecting on your wins gives you a boost of confidence. It’s like saying, “Hey, I’ve got this!” to yourself.
Sustainable Goals–Think Big, Start Small
Now that you’ve reflected, it’s time to think about what you want to carry into the new year. But here’s the catch: goals only work if they’re realistic. (Yes, I know I’m repeating myself, but this part is essential.)
A sustainable goal should be:
- Specific: Instead of a vague goal of “I want to be healthier,” define what that looks like. Something like “I want to cook homemade dinners four days a week” or “I’ll walk for 30 minutes after dinner Monday through Friday ” is a much clearer goal.
- Measurable: Pick something you can track. Progress is incredibly motivating, like closing the rings on your Apple watch.
- Achievable and Aligned with Your Values: Does running bring feelings of hatred? Perhaps setting a goal to run a 5K isn’t ideal. There is no rule stating that health has to involve misery.
- Flexible but Timely: While you want to have a clear end date, life happens. Goals should bend, not break. If you get sick or swamped with work, scaling back and adjusting is okay. Pick back up when you feel better. Consistency doesn’t mean perfection.
Let’s be creative for a moment. Imagine your goals are like a plant. You wouldn’t plant a seed, dump a gallon of water on it, and expect it to grow overnight, right? (If you would, then we need to talk.) Sustainable goals are about watering your plant consistently over time. Some days, it visibly grows; other days, it doesn’t—but with care, it thrives.
Don’t Wait for Monday Attitude
Okay, raise your hand if you’ve ever thought, “I’ll wait and start fresh on Monday since it’s at the beginning of the week!” only to find yourself on Tuesday in the same spot you were in the week before. Here’s the thing: Monday isn’t magic. Neither is January 1st. What’s magical is momentum, and you can start building it right now.
Want to get more active? Go for a walk today. Are you thinking about eating healthier? Swap a low-nutrient-dense snack for something less processed. Have you been considering journaling? Write one sentence before bed tonight. Starting small isn’t all that small–it’s how you build habits that stick.
Waiting for the “perfect moment” is just procrastination in a fancy outfit. December is already here. Why not use it to plant those seeds and let January be the month when things really start to bloom?
December Goals, Community Style
Here’s the beauty of starting your goal-setting journey in December: it’s not about rushing to the finish line before the year ends. It’s about setting the stage for a brighter, more balanced year ahead. By reflecting now, you’re giving yourself a head start, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a little extra momentum?
But here’s the kicker: goal setting doesn’t have to be a solo sport. Think of it more like a potluck-you bring your goals to the table, and others bring theirs, and together, you create something richer and more inspiring. (Plus, nobody has to be responsible for the soggy salad of vague resolutions.)
So, let’s start the potluck right here right now.
- What’s one small, meaningful goal you’ve been toying with for 2025? (No judgment. If it’s “Finally learning how to keep a houseplant alive,” we support you.)
- What’s a 2024 win you’re proud of? Share your story, big or small. We want to celebrate it with you!
- What’s one thing you’d like to focus on improving in 2025? Let’s brainstorm together. It’s more fun that way.
The best part of this space? There’s no right or wrong answer. Whether you’re dreaming about running your first 5K or just drinking more water, your goals matter. Sharing them here just might inspire someone else to take that first step, too.
Let’s Make It Happen
December is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and dream big, but also to dream real. By taking time to think deeply about your goals now, you’re setting yourself up for a new year that’s filled with purpose, progress, and, yes, maybe even a little fun.
So here’s my challenge to you: Take five minutes today to think about your goals. Write them down, doodle them, or just let them swirl around in your head a bit. Then, pop back over here and share your thoughts. I can’t wait to hear what’s on your mind.
And if you’re feeling bold, follow my page for more tips, insights, and conversations about building the healthiest version of yourself inside and out. We’re just getting started, and trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.