Start Your Year with Questions - Insights From a Motivational Speaker

Start Your Year with Questions, Not Resolutions

Most people start the year with resolutions, only to watch them fade within weeks. Why? Because resolutions are often broad, vague, or based on wishful thinking. Real change doesn’t come from setting rigid goals—it comes from developing the skill of intentional growth. Mastering change isn’t about being fearless or gifted; it’s about building a skillset that allows you to adapt, learn, and improve.

Instead of resolutions, start your year with questions. Questions that help you clarify where you want to go, what you want to learn, and how you want to grow. The answers will set the foundation for a more intentional and fulfilling year.

1. What do I want to experience this year?

Life isn’t just about achievements; it’s about experiences. What do you want to feel? Adventure, mastery, connection, purpose? Todd, a writer and podcaster, realized he wanted to feel immediately useful rather than just creating content. So, he started volunteering in his local community, finding fulfillment in hands-on contributions.

What experiences will add meaning to your year? Identify them and actively pursue them.

2. Where do I want to go?

This doesn’t have to mean international travel—though it can. It could be as simple as exploring a nearby city, hiking a mountain, or spending more time in nature. Instead of drifting through the year, intentionally plan your destinations, both literal and metaphorical. Where do you want to be by the end of the year?

3. What do I want to learn?

Lifelong learning isn’t just for career growth—it keeps you engaged, curious, and adaptable. What skills or knowledge do you want to develop? Maybe it’s a new language, a leadership skill, or a creative hobby. Don’t leave it to chance—create a study plan, whether it’s books, courses, or hands-on practice.

4. How do I want to change?

This is the most important question. A year from now, how will you be different? What habits, mindsets, or skills will you have developed? Transformation isn’t something that happens randomly—it’s something you build through intentional choices.

Write down your answers. This isn’t just an exercise—it’s a form of accountability. By being intentional now, you ensure that the person you become is the person you intended to become.

Final Thought

Mastering change doesn’t mean waiting for the right moment or having all the answers. It means actively building the skills to adapt and grow. The questions you ask today will shape the person you become tomorrow.

If your team or organization needs help building a change-ready culture, let’s talk. Julian Mather’s CHANGEABILITY keynote is designed to help leaders and teams navigate change with confidence. Reach out today to book Julian for your next event.