From Overwhelmed to Empowered: A Feminist Approach to Goal Setting for the New Year
A Fresh Perspective on New Year’s Resolutions
The start of a new year often feels like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s an opportunity to reflect and reset; on the other, it’s a breeding ground for self-criticism. Traditional resolutions—lose weight, be more productive, earn more—tend to reinforce societal pressures and unrealistic standards. They leave us feeling like we’re never doing or being enough.
But what if the issue isn’t with you? What if the problem lies in the patriarchal ideals baked into conventional goal-setting? This year, let’s ditch the guilt-inducing resolutions and adopt a feminist approach to goal-setting—one that honors your values, fosters joy, and prioritizes your well-being.
The Problem with Traditional Goal-Setting
Traditional resolutions often reflect oppressive systems that equate worth with output, beauty, or external validation. Let’s break it down:
Perfectionism: Goals rooted in perfectionism (e.g., “flawless skin,” “the perfect body”) feed into patriarchal ideals that punish us for being human.
Hustle Culture: Productivity-focused resolutions (“work harder,” “get more done”) often disregard our need for rest and play, perpetuating burnout.
Comparison Culture: Social media-fueled aspirations can leave us chasing lives that don’t reflect our own values.
These goals rarely leave room for nuance, humanity, or joy. They’re designed to keep us striving for an unattainable ideal rather than helping us thrive as we are.
What Is Feminist Goal-Setting?
Feminist goal-setting flips the script. It’s about rejecting oppressive norms and embracing goals that align with your authentic self. Here’s the framework:
Center Your Values: Focus on what genuinely matters to you, not what society says you should prioritize. Think beyond appearance or productivity and consider goals that spark joy or create meaningful impact.
Redefine Productivity: Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. Feminize your goals by prioritizing rest, care, and connection.
Build Collective Support: Individualism is overrated. Feminist goal-setting acknowledges that thriving often requires community and mutual care.
Embrace Progress Over Perfection: Ditch the all-or-nothing mindset. Celebrate every step forward, even if it’s small.
Steps to Reframe Your Goal-Setting Process
Step 1: Define Success on Your Own Terms
Traditional resolutions often measure success by patriarchal standards—wealth, beauty, or unattainable perfection. Instead, ask yourself:
What does a successful year look like for me?
How can I measure success in ways that honor my values and well-being?
Write your own definition of success. Maybe it’s about deepening your relationships, finding joy in your hobbies, or contributing to a cause you care about.
Step 2: Create Values-Driven Goals
Take stock of what truly matters to you. Ask:
What brings me joy?
What aligns with my vision for a meaningful life?
Examples of values-driven goals:
Instead of “Lose 10 pounds,” try “Explore movement practices that make me feel strong and joyful.”
Replace “Work harder” with “Create boundaries around my time to prioritize rest and creativity.”
Step 3: Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Rest is a radical act in a culture that glorifies overwork. Make space for rest by setting goals like:
“Unplug for one day each week.”
“Take a 10-minute mindfulness break daily.”
Step 4: Foster Community and Connection
Thriving isn’t a solo endeavor. Build collective care into your goals by:
Joining or creating a mutual aid network.
Scheduling regular check-ins with friends or mentors.
Supporting local movements or causes that align with your values.
Step 5: Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
The patriarchy thrives on perfectionism. This year, celebrate your efforts and learn from setbacks. Write down three accomplishments from last year and what you learned from them. Use this practice to remind yourself that progress, not perfection, is the goal.
