Have you ever stopped to think about the difference between a goal and a resolution? At first glance, they might seem like two sides of the same coin, but they carry very different energies.
A goal is something you aim to achieve—a target you work toward. It’s flexible, adaptable, and allows for detours along the way. A resolution, on the other hand, is a firm decision. It’s about being resolute, unwavering in your commitment to do (or not do) something.
Sounds good in theory, right? But here’s the catch: resolutions often feel all-or-nothing. They can be so rigid and intense that one misstep can make you feel like you’ve already failed. Goals, by contrast, give you room to adjust and keep moving forward, even when life throws you a curveball.
Let’s compare these:
- Goal: “This year, I want to be healthier and lose 20 pounds.”
- Resolution: “This year, I will be healthier and lose 20 pounds.”
Similar intentions, but the resolution feels heavier, almost overwhelming.
In my 17 years of coaching CrossFit and nutrition, I’ve learned that imperfectly pursuing a goal will always be more effective than chasing a perfect resolution that crumbles under the weight of its own expectations. The truth is, most resolutions fail not because they lack ambition, but because they lack a plan and support system.
Why Resolutions Often Fall Flat
Resolutions usually come from a place of reflection—wanting to make the new year better than the last. January is practically synonymous with starting fresh. But here’s the problem:
- Many of us don’t know how to turn resolutions into reality.
- Sometimes, we make resolutions we’re not even fully committed to—they just sound good.
And let’s be honest, how often do people make resolutions in, say, July? Almost never. If it’s not January, it’s not a resolution—it’s a goal. And that’s the mindset shift I want to encourage: let’s ditch the idea of resolutions altogether and focus on setting goals with a clear plan and strong support.
Turning Dreams Into Achievable Goals
Here’s what this process looks like in real life.
One of our athletes at WildFire CrossFit wanted to get healthier and lose body fat this year. Instead of making a vague resolution, she sat down with a coach for a goal review. Together, they dug deeper: What does “healthier” really mean for her? What changes would make her feel her best? From there, they built a plan tailored to her life, factoring in her work schedule, family responsibilities, and stress levels.
Her plan? A combination of our 6-Week Nutrition Journey and Buns & Guns, our functional bodybuilding semi-private class.
- The Nutrition Journey helps her fuel her body properly with personalized guidance and weekly check-ins to adjust and troubleshoot as needed.
- Buns & Guns focuses on building muscle with tailored exercises and extra support in a smaller group setting.
Both programs run almost simultaneously, giving her the structure and accountability to succeed. All she has to do is show up and trust the process.
Another athlete has a completely different goal: getting her first strict pull-up. For her, the plan involves dedicating extra time before or after class to focus on pull-up strength, while leveraging opportunities during class to build strict strength.
Two athletes, two very different goals, and two customized plans. That’s the beauty of goal-setting—it’s personal and adaptable.
Why Support Matters
No matter how strong your willpower, accomplishing a goal isn’t something you have to do alone. A solid support system—friends, family, coaches, or fellow athletes—makes all the difference.
Whether you set a goal or a resolution, the key to success lies in creating a plan and surrounding yourself with people who will encourage and guide you.
So, what’s it going to be this year? Will you set another resolution destined to fade by February, or will you craft a meaningful goal backed by a plan and the support to see it through?
Your goals are worth pursuing, and we’re here to help you make them a reality.
Coach Tiffany & The WildFire Team
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