What's the One Thing That Would Improve Your Life - A Better Way to Approach New Year's Resolutions

As another new year dawns, many of us feel an urge to reinvent ourselves. We draft long lists of resolutions, envisioning the person we hope to become by the year’s end. However, for many of us, these ambitious plans can quickly become overwhelming. Instead of motivating us, they often lead to stress and inaction as the sheer number of goals makes it hard to know where to start.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’ve been there too. One year, I decided that my "one thing" was going to be limiting my phone use. At the time, I realized that constantly checking messages, scrolling through emails, and staying glued to my screen was draining my energy and taking time away from the things I truly cared about. To tackle this, I set a few simple rules for myself: I wouldn’t use my phone after 7 p.m., I’d keep it in another room while I slept, and I’d limit how often I checked it throughout the day. These small changes added up quickly. Suddenly, I had more time for meaningful conversations, hobbies, and just being present in my life. That experience taught me the power of focusing on one resolution and the ripple effects it can have.

Why Focus on One Thing?

The notion of committing to a single goal may seem overly simplistic. Isn’t the purpose of New Year’s resolutions to improve in multiple areas? However, research and experience show that trying to tackle too many goals at once can scatter your efforts and lead to burnout. On the other hand, narrowing your focus to one meaningful resolution allows you to dedicate your energy and attention fully, making it far more likely that you’ll succeed.

The Question That Can Change Everything

When clients share their struggles with me, I often ask a pivotal question: What is the one thing that would make your life better? Not ten things. Not five. Just one.

This singular focus cuts through the noise, helping them pinpoint what truly matters.

For some, it’s improving their physical health, whether that means better sleep, more exercise, or healthier eating. For others, it might be deepening connections with loved ones, rediscovering a creative passion, or building stronger boundaries in their lives.

This year, I’ve decided that my one thing is going to be about consistency in scheduling my work time. Like many of you, I often juggle multiple priorities, and it’s easy for the bigger, long-term goals to get lost in the shuffle. To change that, I’m committing to scheduling blocks of time for strategic planning, administrative work, and learning—along with blocks for personal pursuits like nurturing relationships and working out. I know it’ll take discipline to stick to this plan, but I also know it’s worth it. By intentionally structuring my time, I’ll create space for what truly matters.

How to Choose Your New Year’s Resolution

To embrace this simplified approach, start by reflecting on what matters most to you:

1. Take Inventory of Your Life: Set aside some quiet time to evaluate where you are. What areas of your life feel unfulfilled or out of balance? Where are you thriving? This self-assessment will guide you toward the resolution that will have the greatest impact.
2. Imagine a Single Change: If you could wave a magic wand and transform one thing in your life, what would it be? This exercise helps clarify what’s most important to you right now.
3. Be Honest and Realistic: Your resolution doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. Often, the most impactful changes are simple and specific. Instead of a broad goal like “get healthier,” you might decide to cook at home three nights a week or prioritize daily walks.
4. Trust Your Inner Voice: Deep down, you likely already know what matters most. Tune out external expectations and trust yourself to identify the resolution that aligns with your needs and values.

Turning Your Resolution Into Reality

Once you’ve chosen your one resolution, the next step is to break it down into manageable, concrete actions. Here’s how:

• Start Small: Big changes happen through consistent small steps. If your goal is to feel more connected with your partner, start by planning one distraction-free conversation each evening.
• Write It Down: Putting your resolution and action steps on paper helps solidify your commitment. Plus, it serves as a reference point to track your progress.
• Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest milestones. Recognizing your achievements keeps you motivated and reinforces your commitment.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Life isn’t perfect, and setbacks are inevitable. If you stumble, don’t beat yourself up. Simply reset and continue moving forward.

The Ripple Effect of Focused Resolutions

Here’s the beauty of focusing on one resolution: success in one area often spills over into others. For example, committing to better sleep might improve your energy levels, mood, and productivity. Strengthening a key relationship might boost your confidence and lower your stress. By zeroing in on what matters most, you set the stage for growth that touches every aspect of your life.

Simplify Your Approach This Year

This New Year, let go of the pressure to fix everything all at once. Instead, give yourself permission to focus on just one resolution—the one thing that would make the biggest difference in your life. By doing so, you’re not limiting yourself; you’re creating a foundation for meaningful and lasting change.

Remember, progress is built on persistence, not perfection. Whether your goal is to nurture your health, strengthen your relationships, or rediscover your passions, focusing on one thing at a time ensures that your efforts are intentional and impactful. This year, let your New Year’s resolution be a testament to the power of simplicity and purpose.