The New Year’s resolution tradition is a time-honored ritual—a moment to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead. Yet, all too often, resolutions fade into unfulfilled aspirations. Why? Because many resolutions are built on future-tense, fleeting motivation rather than a foundation of support and challenge.

To create resolutions that truly stick, we can turn to the leadership and coaching principles of secure bases: caring, daring, and sharing. These principles empower us to unleash our potential and achieve more than we ever thought possible.

The Role of Secure Bases in Growth: A secure base is a person, place, or even an internal mindset that provides a sense of safety and encouragement while simultaneously challenging us to grow and step beyond our comfort zones. This duality of support and challenge is the foundation of transformative growth. Whether it’s a trusted colleague, a family member, or even your connection to nature, secure bases remind us we’re not alone as we take on new challenges.

When setting New Year’s resolutions, secure bases help us to navigate the inevitable setbacks and self-doubt that arise while pursuing meaningful change. They offer a combination of unconditional support (caring), encouragement to take risks (daring), and the wisdom of shared experiences (sharing).

Caring: The Foundation of Support: Caring provides the reassurance that someone has your back, no matter what. This kind of unconditional support builds confidence and resilience, two essential ingredients for sticking to resolutions. Ask yourself: Who are my secure bases? Surround yourself with people who believe in your potential and are invested in your success. They will provide the emotional safety net you need when challenges arise. Caring also involves self-compassion by acknowledging your progress and treating yourself with kindness when you falter.

Daring: The Courage to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: While caring provides the safety net, daring pushes us to take the leap. Secure bases challenge us to step into the discomfort that accompanies growth. When crafting your resolutions, embrace goals that stretch your limits. Choose objectives that excite and scare you a little. For example, instead of setting a vague resolution like, “I will get in shape,” frame it as, “I am thriving in my training to complete my first 10K run this year.” This wording creates a vivid picture of success.

Sharing: The Power of Connection: Sharing is the bridge that transforms individual aspirations into collective momentum. Secure bases provide shared wisdom, reflection, and celebration. When you share your resolutions with your secure bases, you’re inviting others to be part of your journey. This act of vulnerability strengthens relationships and creates a web of mutual accountability. Consider forming a small group of trusted friends or colleagues to regularly check in on each other’s progress.

The Power of Present-Tense Resolutions: Most resolutions are stated in the future tense: “I will start exercising,” or “I will spend more time with family.” While these statements express intent, they lack immediacy and ownership. Our brains love future-tense resolutions as it means we don’t have to do anything now. They can feel distant and reinforce procrastination. Instead, craft your resolutions in the present active tense. For example:

• “I am  prioritiing my well-being by exercising for 30 minutes each day.”
• “I am deepening my relationships by spending meaningful time with loved ones every week.”

Present-tense statements affirm that the change is already happening, empowering you to embody the behaviors and mindset required to succeed.

Reflect and Recharge for a Meaningful Year: As the year draws to a close, take time to reflect on the past year. Use these reflections to recharge your sense of purpose and clarity. Ask yourself:

• What secure bases supported me this past year and who can support me in 2025?
• Where did I demonstrate courage and step outside my comfort zone?How can I do more of this in 2025?
• How can I share my growth and inspire others in the coming year?

In the words of mountaineer, OD Consultant & Leadership Coach, Jean-Pierre Heiniger, “Life is best when we mindfully coach the growth of each other through a series of daring ventures to unleash the hidden potential that we all have. The best way to embrace this dynamic of sustainable growth is by offering an environment of Secure Base, like a caring belayer supporting the effort of the daring climber”

By grounding your goals in the secure base principles of caring, daring, and sharing, you’ll create resolutions that inspire and endure. Most importantly, by framing your intentions in the present active tense, you’ll begin the year already living the change you wish to see. This year, resolve to reflect, recharge, and rise to your full potential. With secure bases by your side, anything is possible.

Rev. Dr Susan Goldsworthy is author of Care Dare Share: The Secure Base Coach out now, published by IMD