Understanding the downsides of resolutions

It is just as important for us to understand the downsides of resolutions as it is to celebrate their benefits.

Many of us set intentions with enthusiasm, only to feel disheartened or stressed when real life gets in the way and we give up on them.

Looking honestly at the downsides of resolutions and how to set achievable goals can help you approach them with more compassion and less pressure.

They can become overwhelming

If you already feel anxious or stretched thin, adding a long list of goals can make you feel worse.

One of the main downsides of resolutions is that we often set too many at once.

When life gets busy, these goals are usually the first thing to go, which can trigger frustration or self-criticism.

They sometimes ignore values

In the podcast i co-host with Ian Stockbridge (The Talk Room), we discover that many people set resolutions without taking their values into consideration.

When a goal is not linked to something meaningful to you, your motivation can fade quickly. This mismatch is another common downsides of resolutions, because it leads to goals that can feel forced.

They can trigger negative thinking

Many of us carry a negativity bias, which means we naturally focus on what we are not doing well.

One of the emotional downsides of resolutions is that they can highlight what we think we lack rather than what we are already doing right.

This can increase stress and reduce our confidence.

They don’t account for barriers

Real life involves setbacks, emotional fatigue and unexpected challenges. If we don’t plan for these, we feel like we have failed.

This lack of flexibility is why reflecting on barriers is so important. Preparing for obstacles helps you stay calm and adaptable when things shift.

They may create unnecessary pressure

The final of the downsides of resolutions is that they often come with a silent message that we must improve.

In reality, you are allowed to grow gently. You are allowed to set goals that support your wellbeing rather than push you into burnout.

So, how do we set realistic goals we can stick to? Read the next blog in the series – How to set goals you will actually stick to!