Aim Higher in 2026: Desire, Decision & the Truth About Goals

As a new year begins, many of us take time to reflect, reset, and set goals for the months ahead. It’s a natural and healthy process. But there’s an important distinction that often gets overlooked—and it can make all the difference between another year of good intentions and a year of real progress.

That distinction is the difference between desire and decision.  

Happy New Year

Desire Isn’t Enough

Desire is easy.
We all desire better health, stronger relationships, more success, and greater fulfilment. Desire costs us nothing. It feels good—but on its own, it changes nothing.

A decision, on the other hand, comes with commitment. Decisions demand action. They require us to follow through even when motivation fades or when things become uncomfortable.

If you want this year to be different, don’t just list what you want. Decide what you’re prepared to do.

Why “Realistic” Goals Can Hold You Back

For years, we’ve been told to set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. While structure is useful, there’s one word in that framework worth challenging: realistic.

Why should every goal be realistic?

If every goal fits neatly inside your comfort zone, you’re unlikely to grow. Some goals should be achievable and practical—but some should stretch you. Some should feel slightly uncomfortable. That’s where real development happens.

Aim Higher Than Feels Comfortable

There’s a powerful truth worth remembering:

People don’t fail because they aim too high and miss.
They fail because they aim too low and hit.

When you aim low, you limit what’s possible. When you aim higher, even if you don’t reach the exact target, you often achieve far more than you would have otherwise.

We are all capable of far more than we give ourselves credit for—professionally, personally, and financially.

Turn Goals Into Action

As you set goals for the year ahead, separate:

• Intentions from actions

• Wishes from commitments

• Desire from decision

Ask yourself:

• What actions must happen consistently for this goal to become a reality?

• What habits need to change?

• What am I willing to commit to even when it’s inconvenient?

That’s where progress begins.

Make This Your Best Year Yet

Set some goals that are easy wins.
Set some that challenge you.
And set at least one that truly stretches you.

Then decide—fully and deliberately—to take the actions required to make them real.

Here’s to aiming higher, stretching further, and making this your best year yet.