Every year, as December fades into January, I find myself caught up in the same tradition as millions of others: making New Year’s resolutions. It’s a ritual that feels both hopeful and daunting, a chance to turn over a new leaf—but also a potential setup for disappointment. Over time, I’ve come to realise that the key to crafting meaningful resolutions lies in striking a balance: setting realistic targets while still daring to dream a little bigger.

Let’s face it: overly ambitious resolutions can be a fast track to discouragement. If I vowed to run the London Marathon despite barely managing a jog around my neighborhood, I’d probably give up by February. On the other hand, resolutions that are too modest—like “drink more water” or “eat one salad a week”—can feel uninspired and make life just a little duller. That’s why I believe the best approach is to create a mix of resolutions that address both ends of the aspitation spectrum.

First, I start with the realistic targets. These are the goals that, with consistent effort, I know I can achieve. For example, one of my resolutions this year is to dedicate 20 minutes a day to reading. It’s manageable, measurable, and fits into my daily routine. These smaller, achievable goals build momentum. They create a sense of accomplishment that can fuel progress in other areas of life.

But resolutions shouldn’t just be about ticking boxes; they should also stretch us, ignite our passions, and challenge us to grow. That’s where the ambitious goals come in. I call these my “moonshots.” These are the dreams that make my heart race a little when I say them out loud. This year, one of my moonshots is to finally launch my podcast project that’s been bubbling in my mind for years. Will it be easy? No. Do I hate the sound of my own voice on playback? Yes! Will it take time, effort, and maybe a bit of luck? Absolutely. But it’s worth pursuing precisely because it pushes me out of my comfort zone.

The beauty of combining realistic and ambitious resolutions is that they work together in harmony. Achieving the smaller goals gives me the confidence and discipline to tackle the bigger ones. At the same time, striving for the ambitious resolutions keeps life exciting and full of possibility. It’s a balance of practicality and aspiration—the best of both worlds.

Of course, there’s an art to staying on track. I’ve learned to periodically check in with myself throughout the year. Am I making progress? Do I need to adjust my approach? Flexibility is essential; sometimes life throws curveballs, and that’s okay. Resolutions are a guide, not a rigid contract.

So, as we step into this brand-new year, I encourage you to join me in crafting resolutions that reflect both who you are now and who you want to become. Choose targets you can realistically achieve to build momentum, and sprinkle in a few moonshots to keep things exciting. The journey won’t always be smooth, but that’s part of the adventure. And who knows? By this time next year, you might look back and realise you’ve accomplished more than you ever thought possible.

Here’s to a year of growth, balance, and bold dreams. Happy New Year!