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New Year, Same Results? How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Stick With in 2026

Plan to stick to your resolutions this year.

new year resolutions 2026

 

Guide to Setting and Keeping New Year Resolutions

As the calendar resets to January, motivation is high. Many of us start the year telling ourselves, “This year will be different.” But if you’re like most people, past experience has probably shown that good intentions alone don’t always lead to real change.

Let’s be honest: sticking to New Year resolutions is tough. According to the Global Web Index, in 2024, only 2% of Singaporeans managed to fulfill all their resolutions. 

new year singaporeans

 

So how can we beat the odds? The difference between a forgotten resolution and real progress often comes down to planning. Here’s a simple, practical guide to help you get started.

 

Reflect On the Past Year

Before jumping into planning for the year ahead, take time to reflect on the past year. Celebrate your wins, big or small, and think about the challenges you faced.

Ask yourself:

  • What goals did I set last year?
  • What worked well?
  • What didn’t, and why?

Do a quick stock take of your skills. List both your hard and soft skills, and note where you’ve grown over the year. Identifying skill gaps can help you set clearer goals with a stronger sense of purpose. Quantifying your progress, such as courses completed or projects undertaken, can also be a powerful motivator as you plan for 2026.


Set S.M.A.R.T Goals

Now comes the fun part: goal-setting. There’s a reason the saying “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” has stood the test of time. Without a clear plan, even the best intentions can fade quickly.

One simple way to plan better is by setting S.M.A.R.T goals.

Be specific

Vague goals like “learn something new” are easy to abandon. Be clear about what you want to learn and what success looks like.

Example:

Complete a data science course.

Make it measurable 

If you can’t track it, it’s hard to stay motivated. Measurable goals help you see progress and build momentum.

Example:

Build three small data analysis projects using Python.

Keep it achievable

Ambition is important, but learning works best when it fits into your life. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and burnout.

Break your goals into manageable steps and commit to a routine. Create systems, consistent processes, habits and environments that support your learning.

Example:
If you’re aiming to master graphic design, don’t expect to be an expert overnight. Start with beginner tutorials before moving on to intermediate ones. Incremental progress builds confidence and keeps you motivated.

 

Choose relevant goals 

Every goal needs a strong “why”. Whether it’s for personal growth or career advancement, understanding your motivation helps you stay committed when challenges arise.

Example:

Improving my data skills will help me prepare for a career switch into data engineering.

Set time-bound milestones 

A year may seem long, but it can pass quickly without clear checkpoints. Setting deadlines keeps you accountable.

Example:

Complete one module of the online course each month and finish the course by July.

 

Put Your Goals into Action

Setting goals is one thing, following through is another. Here’s how to turn your plans into reality:

  • Write it down: Keep your goals somewhere visible, like on a notebook, phone, or vision board.
  • Stay accountable: Share your goals with friends or family. Talking about your plans and checking in with others helps you stay committed.
  • Build a routine: Pick a regular time each day or week for learning. Making it part of your schedule helps it build it into a habit.
  • Check in regularly: Set checkpoints to review your progress. This helps you stay on track and celebrate small wins along the way.

And remember, nothing is set in stone. If something isn’t working, adjust your approach. Progress matters more than perfection.

 

Stay on Track with the Right Support

Goal-setting can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to be unsure where to start. The important thing is to take that first step, even if it’s small, and build momentum from there.

If you’re feeling stuck or not sure how to begin, our Skills Ambassadors are here to help. They can guide you in clarifying your goals, identifying your strengths and gaps, and suggesting practical next steps. No matter where you are in your career or learning journey, a free 1-to-1 Skills and Training Advisory (STA) session, personalised to your needs, can help you find a clear path forward.

Remember, progress is rarely linear. What matters is consistently choosing to move forward, and building the right support system around you can help your 2026 resolutions turn your goals into reality.