Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Should Focus on Identity, Not Outcomes

The clock strikes midnight, and just like that, we’re off! New Year, new goals, new resolutions. But let me ask you this: How many of your past resolutions have truly stuck?

If you’re like most people, the answer might be “not many.” The problem isn’t that you’re not motivated or capable; it’s that we’ve been approaching resolutions the wrong way.

Instead of focusing on outcomes—like losing weight, saving money, or running a marathon—what if you centered your resolutions around identity?

This simple yet powerful shift can transform your life. Here’s why.

If you’re looking for New Years resolution inspiration, check out these 60 micro-resolution ideas.

Outcomes Are the Destination—Identity Is the Engine

When we set goals like “I want to lose 20 pounds” or “I want to save £10,000,” we’re laser-focused on the outcome.

While there’s nothing wrong with having specific targets, they can feel overwhelming or distant, especially when progress is slow.

Identity-based resolutions flip the script. Instead of aiming for the outcome, you focus on the type of person you want to become. For example:

• Outcome-focused goal: “I want to lose 20 pounds.”

• Identity-focused resolution: “I am someone who makes healthy choices every day.”

This subtle reframe changes everything. Now, every small action—like choosing a salad over fries or going for a walk—reinforces your new identity.

If you’ve read my post about the HEART goal framework, this might feel familiar to you!

Why Identity-Based Resolutions Work

So, why should you start using identity based resolutions?

They Build Habits Naturally

When your actions align with your identity, habits form more effortlessly. A person who identifies as a “healthy eater” doesn’t have to resist temptation constantly because their choices align with who they believe they are.

They Create Emotional Buy-In

Outcomes can feel external—something you achieve and then move on from. But identity is personal and deeply ingrained. When you see yourself as “a reader” or “a consistent saver,” there’s a sense of pride and ownership that motivates you to stick with it.

They Encourage Progress Over Perfection

Identity is about who you are becoming, not a single success or failure. This mindset makes it easier to bounce back when you have an off day. Forget to exercise? That’s okay—you’re still someone who prioritizes fitness, and you’ll pick it back up tomorrow.

Real-Life Examples of Identity-Based Resolutions

Let’s look at a few examples to see how this works in practice:

• Financial Goal

  • Outcome-focused: “Save £5,000 this year.”

  • Identity-focused: “I am someone who is mindful with money.”

  • Actionable Identity Habits:

    • Track spending daily.

    • Review your budget weekly.

    • Celebrate small wins, like bringing lunch to work instead of eating out.

• Health Goal

  • Outcome-focused: “Run a marathon.”

  • Identity-focused: “I am someone who loves running and challenges myself.”

  • Actionable Identity Habits:

    • Schedule three runs a week, no matter the distance.

    • Join a local running group for accountability.

    • Treat yourself to quality running gear that supports your new identity.

• Personal Growth Goal

  • Outcome-focused: “Read 50 books this year.”

  • Identity-focused: “I am a curious and lifelong learner.”

  • Actionable Identity Habits:

    • Dedicate 20 minutes daily to reading or listening to audiobooks.

    • Keep a list of books that inspire you.

    • Share insights from your reading with friends or online.

How to Set Identity-Based Resolutions

Ready to try this out? Here’s a step-by-step guide to shifting your focus:

1. Define Who You Want to Be

Reflect on the type of person you want to become. Ask yourself:

• What qualities do I admire in others?

• How would I like people to describe me?

• What kind of life do I want to create?

2. Start Small and Build Momentum

Identity shifts don’t happen overnight. Begin with small, consistent actions that align with your new identity. For instance:

• If you want to be “someone who values health,” commit to a daily 10-minute walk.

• If you want to be “someone who is financially savvy,” start tracking your spending.

3. Celebrate the Process

Focus on progress, not perfection. Every time you make a choice that reinforces your new identity, acknowledge it. Write it down, share it with a friend, or simply smile and say, “Yes, this is who I am now.”

4. Stay Flexible and Reflect

Identities evolve, and that’s okay. Periodically reflect on your resolutions and adjust as needed. If something doesn’t feel right, tweak it to better align with your values and aspirations.

Next Steps

The beauty of identity-based resolutions is that they’re not about achieving something by a certain date; they’re about becoming the best version of yourself over time.

So this New Year, skip the endless list of to-dos and focus on one question: Who do I want to become?

Because when you change your identity, the outcomes will follow naturally.