Forget Dead Man's Goals - A Fresh Look on Setting Goals

It's that time of year again where we consider New Year’s resolutions—a time-honoured tradition of setting ourselves up for disappointment by mid-January. We’ve all been there. You start off with ambitious goals like eat less, stop procrastinating, or quit doomscrolling TikTok. But have you ever considered how ridiculous some of these resolutions are? Why even bother doing them? Well, resolutions are good because they set goals and goals are good as they give us something to aim for because if you are like me and don't set many goals, you get to the end of the year and wonder what you have achieved. Likely, there is something but it feel like nothing, so set a goal, just not a dead man's goal! Let’s talk about dead man’s goals—objectives a corpse could crush better than you ever will.

What Are Dead Man’s Goals?

Dead man’s goals are the kind of resolutions that focus on not doing something. Eat less. Stop being late. Quit complaining. The thing is: a dead person already excels at these—they don’t eat, they’re never late, and they never complain. Unless you want to compete with a corpse, it’s time to reframe your thinking.

Instead of focusing on what not to do, focus on what you can do. Let’s break the cycle of doomed resolutions and start the year with some positivity and momentum.

Celebrate Your Wins From Last Year

Before you start dreaming up this year’s goals, take a moment to reflect on what you achieved last year. Even if 2024 was a bit of a dumpster fire, I guarantee you’ve got some wins to celebrate.

• Did you finally pick up that hobby you’ve been putting off?

• Maybe you managed to cook at home more than you did in 2023.

• Did you survive a tough year and come out stronger? (That’s a win, in my book!)

Focus on progress, not perfection. By acknowledging what you’ve already accomplished, you can build on it rather than starting from scratch.

Build on Your Momentum

Once you’ve given yourself a well-deserved pat on the back, think about how you can expand on those achievements. Here’s how you can flip the script on dead man’s goals:

Instead of “Eat Less”

Try: “Cook one new healthy recipe each week.” This focuses on adding something positive rather than restricting yourself. Plus, it’s a chance to experiment in the kitchen (just don't post it on social media - hate that!).

Instead of “Stop Procrastinating”

Try: “Work on a big project for 15 minutes every day.” Starting small is powerful. You’ll likely do more once you get into the groove, but even if you don’t, those 15 minutes will add up - in fact it adds up to over 91 hours over a year or over three full days!

Instead of “Quit Complaining”

Try: “Practice gratitude by writing down one thing I’m thankful for each day.” Focusing on the good shifts your mindset and helps you see the positives.

Set Goals That Add Value

The best resolutions are ones that make your life richer, fuller, and more joyful. Here are a few ideas:

• Learn something new. Take up guitar, learn to code, or start a foreign language.

• Strengthen your relationships. Schedule monthly catch-ups with friends or family.

• Take care of your body and mind. Commit to moving more, meditating, or finally getting enough sleep.

• Invest in your future. Whether it’s saving money, taking a course, or working on your career, future-you will thank you.

Remember: Progress Over Perfection

The truth is, most people give up on their resolutions because they aim for perfection. But life isn’t perfect, and neither are we. Progress is what counts. Missed a day? No big deal. Start again tomorrow. Celebrate the small wins along the way.

Be Kind to Yourself

Finally, don't feel bad about it. If your resolution feels like a punishment, you’re doing it wrong. Goals should inspire you, not make you feel like you’re constantly falling short. Be kind to yourself, and remember that growth takes time.

So this year, forget about dead man’s goals. Focus on the living, breathing, wonderfully imperfect person that you are, and build on what you’ve already done. Let’s make 2025 the year of celebrating progress—and not competing with corpses. Cheers to that!