Based on the provided definitions, a New Year's resolution is not strictly a goal, but rather a statement of intent for change that can often lead to setting specific goals.
According to the reference:
- A resolution is a statement of what you want to change. For example, saving money.
- A goal is a statement of what you want to achieve; the steps you need to take to achieve it; and when you want to achieve it by.
This distinction highlights that a resolution is the initial declaration of an intended change (like "I want to save money"), whereas a goal is a more structured plan for achieving a specific outcome related to that change (like "I will save $500 by June 30th by reducing my coffee spending by $10 per week").
Understanding the Difference
While both resolutions and goals involve aiming for something different or better, their definitions differentiate them in terms of structure and detail. A New Year's resolution typically falls under the definition of a resolution – a statement of desired change for the upcoming year.
Here's a simple comparison based on the definitions:
| Feature | Resolution | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Core Idea | Statement of desired change | Statement of desired achievement |
| Structure | General intention | Specific outcome, steps, and timeline |
| Example | "I want to save money." | "I will save $1000 by December 31st." |
| Includes | What you want to change | What you want to achieve, steps, and timeline |
A New Year's resolution is the what (what you want to change), while a goal incorporates the what, the how (steps), and the when (timeline).
From Resolution to Goal
Many people start with a New Year's resolution (a statement of change) and then develop it into specific goals to make it actionable.
For instance:
- Resolution: "I want to be healthier this year." (Statement of change)
- Related Goals:
- "I will exercise for 30 minutes three times a week." (Achievement, steps, timeline implicitly weekly)
- "I will eat five servings of vegetables daily." (Achievement, steps, timeline implicitly daily)
- "I will lose 10 pounds by April 1st." (Achievement, steps, timeline)
So, while a New Year's resolution itself is defined as a statement of change, it serves as a powerful starting point for defining concrete, actionable goals that include the necessary steps and timelines for achievement.
