New Year, New You... Or Not? Decoding the "Haters" and "Goal Determinators"

Well, folks, this year is certainly flying and as we’ve zoomed past the halfway mark, many of us may realize we have not yet touched our goals! 

No fear, let’s talk about it. 

Each year, as we navigate the fresh pages of the calendar, I've noticed a fascinating trend emerging, one I've playfully dubbed: “The Haters and The Goal Determinators.” And honestly, it’s got me thinking about how we approach new beginnings.

On one side, you've got "The Haters." These are the folks who outright snub the whole "new year, new me" vibe. They'll loudly proclaim their disbelief in resolutions or boldly state that the new year doesn't matter at all. You often see them posting with conviction on LinkedIn, sounding, dare I say, a little angry, and shutting down any conversation about resolutions with just a few sharp words like, “New Years is just a single random day as the earth orbits the sun…big whoop. I don’t reset goals on this day, I simply keep doing them.”

Then, there are "The Goal Determinators." These individuals are, shall we say, blindly excited about turning over a new page. They can't wait to set a mountain of goals to help them become their "best selves." You'll find them being just as loud on LinkedIn, often with those slightly-too-close-up pictures of themselves at the gym, sipping on a healthy green smoothie, or beaming from their desks at a new job. All smiles, all the time.

Now, while it might be easier to roll your eyes at "The Determinators" and their seemingly endless enthusiasm, here's a little secret: they're actually onto something.

Why Those “Goal-Determinators” Might Be Smarter Than We Think

According to Psychology Today, merely setting goals is "linked with higher motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, and autonomy (Locke & Latham, 2006), and research has established a strong connection between goal-setting and success (Matthews, 2015)." Pretty compelling, right? It's not just about dreaming big; it's about the very act of defining what you want to achieve.

But it gets even better. When you take the time to clarify your "implementation intentions" for these goals—meaning how, where, and when you'll actually achieve them—you're essentially creating a superhighway in your brain for subconscious action. And what does that lead to? More success! It's like your brain starts working on autopilot to help you reach your destination.

The Power of Hope: A Secret Weapon

That said, even if "The Determinators" aren't meticulously planning every step, there's another powerful force at play: hope. Their hope alone is linked with an incredible number of benefits. Beyond being a positive buffer against negative events, hope is actually considered a type of "psychological capital."

A 2010 study found that individuals high in hope “demonstrate better athletic, academic, occupational, and health outcomes.” Think about that for a second! Perhaps it’s because these individuals have more perceived agency, are more likely to take action, and/or have developed an amazing adaptive mechanism for those tricky, maladaptive moments in life.

As some wise person once (almost) said, "Hope is a helluva drug." While it wasn't quite Obama's exact quote, his second book, The Audacity of Hope, certainly captures the essence. Same thing… no?

Your Invitation to Intention

So, here's the bottom line: you don’t need to set a "New Year’s Resolution" if that term makes you cringe. But taking the time to think about a goal, intention, theme, a word of the year, or simply something you'd like to do… it truly matters. Even just hoping it'll be a good one, counts.

It's about leaning into that innate human desire for growth and improvement, in whatever form feels right for you. Whether you're a meticulous planner or just someone holding onto a quiet wish for good things, acknowledge that spark.

There’s always another week, Monday, or morning around the corner and it’s a chance to use these psychological tools to your advantage. 

So, go on, people! Get going! Happy New Moment to you all, and may it be filled with purpose, fresh starts, and gusto!