New Years Resolution Reality Check: Goals vs. Values

by Daniel Penney

So, it’s been two weeks since the ball dropped, the champagne popped, and you declared, “This is my year!” How’s it going? If you’re crushing it, congratulations—but if you’re struggling to keep up with your New Year’s resolutions, you’re definitely not alone. By now, many of us are realizing that maintaining those shiny new habits is a lot trickier than we thought. At Brili, we’re here to remind you: it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.

What Are You Really Chasing?

Before you start beating yourself up, take a moment to revisit your “why.” What was the driving force behind your resolution? Maybe you wanted calmer mornings, more quality time with family, or just to feel a bit more in control of your day. These value-based intentions are what matter most, not whether you’ve flawlessly followed through every single day.

Goals vs. Values: The Showdown

Traditional goals, like "exercise every day" or "eat healthier," can feel like rigid finish lines—and if you miss a step, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed. Value-based thinking, on the other hand, is about aligning your habits with what matters to you. It’s not about checking a box; it’s about creating routines that support your bigger picture. Think of it as building a progress bar, not sprinting to a finish line.

For example, instead of "I’ll go to the gym every day," try "I want to feel stronger and have more energy." That subtle shift allows for flexibility and makes room for small wins, like a quick home workout or even just stretching.

How Brili Makes Tiny Changes Do Big Things

If you’ve started to lose steam, don’t worry—Brili is here to help you get back on track with ADHD-friendly tools designed to make routines doable and rewarding. Here’s how we can support your progress:

  • Your Routines, Your Rules: Whether you’re looking to streamline your mornings or carve out time for self-care, Brili helps you create step-by-step routines that fit your life.
  • Gentle Nudges, Not Nagging: ADHD brains thrive on reminders—but not the kind that feel like an angry boss breathing down your neck. Brili’s gentle nudges keep you on track without overwhelming you.
  • Celebrate Every Step: No win is too small. Brili tracks your progress and turns routines into mini-milestones, so you can see how far you’ve come, even if you’re not at 100%.

ADHD-Proof Your Resolutions

  1. Break It Down: Big goals can feel paralyzing. Instead, break them into smaller, actionable milestones. Think: "Step one—get workout clothes out of the closet. Step two—stretch for five minutes."
  2. Visualize Progress: ADHD brains love progress bars, not finish lines. Use Brili to track your steps and watch your progress build over time.
  3. Expect Detours: Life happens. Maybe you skipped a routine or forgot a step—so what? Brili’s flexible design lets you adjust and keep moving forward.
  4. Focus on the Process: Resolutions aren’t about hitting a single target. They’re about building habits that make your life smoother and more fulfilling.

From Goals to Values: Real-Life Examples

Struggling to translate your resolutions into something more ADHD-friendly? Here are some common goals and their value-based equivalents:

Goal: "Get healthy."

  • Value-Based Equivalent: "I want to feel more energized and connected to my body."

Goal: "Be more organized."

  • Value-Based Equivalent: "I want my space and schedule to feel calm and manageable."

Goal: "Save more money."

  • Value-Based Equivalent: "I want to feel more secure about my finances."

Goal: "Spend more time with family."

  • Value-Based Equivalent: "I want to feel more connected with my loved ones."

By focusing on values, you’re setting yourself up for sustainable progress, not perfection. Want more tips? Check out resources like ADHD Foundation or CHADD for expert advice and support.

Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

  • Overloading Yourself: Trying to change everything at once is overwhelming. Stick to one or two routines and build from there.
  • All-or-Nothing Thinking: Miss a day? It’s not the end of the world. Celebrate the progress you’ve made and pick up where you left off.
  • Forgetting to Adjust: If something’s not working, tweak it. Experiment with different approaches until you find what feels right.

Progress Over Perfection

By now, you’ve probably realized that New Year’s resolutions aren’t about instant transformation—they’re about inviting change in a way that works for you. With Brili, you can break down big intentions into manageable milestones, track your progress, and adapt along the way. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making progress, one small step at a time.

So, whether you’re still going strong or feeling like you’ve hit a wall, remember: you’ve got this, and Brili’s got your back. Let’s make 2025 the year of steady, sustainable change—one milestone at a time.