I don’t do goals or resolutions—not because I don’t believe in growth, but because they focus on the wrong things. They’re often flawed, creating unnecessary pressure and setting you up for failure.
- Goals Fixate on Outcomes, Not Systems
Most goals are about the end result—“Increase revenue by 20%” or “Work out five times a week”—but without systems, they’re just wishes.
This leads to:
• Burnout, chasing outcomes without structure.
• Procrastination, overwhelmed by the gap between now and the goal.
Instead, build habits that make progress inevitable. For example, instead of resolving to “read 50 books a year,” commit to reading for 15 minutes every morning while having your coffee. It’s about creating routines that naturally fit into your day, making growth consistent and sustainable rather than chasing distant results.
- Resolutions Create Arbitrary Timelines
The idea of starting fresh on January 1st sounds appealing but is flawed:
• Timing is Arbitrary: Why wait for January to make a change? Start when it's needed and makes sense.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Most resolutions fail because people overcommit and underestimate the impact of small, consistent actions.
A better approach? Focus on weekly priorities that allow for real-world adjustments without the pressure of a year-long commitment.
Systems Over Goals
By focusing on systems instead of goals, you build habits that work every day. It’s an approach that’s served me well in law and business:
• Prioritize clarity, consistency, and adaptability.
• Stop stressing about outcomes and start enjoying the process.
When you shift to this mindset, you celebrate small wins, stay adaptable, and let results follow naturally.
Let go of goals and resolutions. Focus on building systems that align with your values, approach each day with purpose, and turn the process itself into something meaningful. When you do, progress becomes inevitable, and success feels natural. Try it—you’ll see the difference.
Mitch Jackson https://bsky.app/profile/mitch.social