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This just in: New Year, Same Me. Here's why.

Published Date
Author Kayla Zimmermann

Around this time of year we all start getting pummeled with advertisements for fitness products, green juices, journals or fancy gym memberships - really anything claiming to help you start the new year off right. We're constantly hearing the phrase "new year, new you." But let's face the reality: only 8% of people who set New Year's goals actually achieve them. 

So, we're here to tell you to ditch the "new year, new you" rhetoric and embrace a different mindset: new year, same me.

The truth is, you're already pretty amazing just the way you are. Why should we talk about a "new you" that undermines everything you've accomplished and who you are right now? That's not to say you shouldn't set goals and think about what you want to achieve this year. You absolutely should. But those goals should be rooted in your core values. When you align your goals with your values, you'll have a much greater chance of success in 2024.

Lindsay Killam - Director of Counselling at TELUS Health MyCare recommends you ask yourself three important questions before you set your 2024 goals:

  • What is most important to me?
  • Who is the human that I want to be in the world?
  • What matters to me?

Once you've answered these questions, think about the values that are important to you right now and what you want to prioritize in 2024. You might even discover new values that you've never considered before. Here are a few examples:

  • Creativity
  • Independence
  • Compassion
  • Authenticity 
  • Honesty 
  • Forgiveness 

Once you've identified the values you want to focus on, set your goals based on those values. Lindsay suggests thinking about how these values translate into three or four key areas of your life. Here are some examples to choose from:

  • Work/education
  • Relationships
  • Personal growth/health
  • Leisure 

Finally, it's important to evaluate your goals using the SMART criteria. However, we've given the SMART acronym a little twist:

  • Specific - What, when, where, and with who? 
  • Meaning - Does this goal align with values? 
  • Adaptive - How does this goal enhance your life?
  • Realistic - Is this goal achievable in the year and now? 
  • Time-framed - Day, dates, time, review process 

The bottom line is that completely changing yourself, as the "new year, new you" suggests, isn't the right approach. Instead, it's about identifying what truly matters to you based on your core values and setting goals that align with them. This allows you to remain true to yourself while still growing, evolving, and challenging yourself.

If you need guidance in setting value-based goals that you can achieve in 2024, TELUS Health MyCare counselors1 are here to help. Book an appointment with one of them today to kickstart the process.

1. Users must be 16 years or older to access counselling and dietitian appointments. Counselling and dietitian appointments require additional payment of $120 plus applicable taxes. Any payments for appointments must be paid using a valid credit card. An in-app receipt will be provided for you to claim for reimbursement if applicable.