Resolving to change

Tell us what you're really like when it comes to making and breaking goals. We'll feature the results—and some of our favourite answers—in our January 2005 issue.

By Chatelaine

August 30, 2004

Add as preferred on Google(opens in a new tab)

1. What kind of New Year's resolution do you make most often?

	About health
	About weight loss/fitness
	About work goals
	About family
	About habits
	About money
	I don't make New Year's resolutions
	Other (please specify)

2. If you don't make new year's resolutions, why not? (Please skip to the next question if you DO make resolutions.)

	I don't believe in resolutions
	I never stick to them
	Sure, I have goals but I don't make them at a specific time of year
	For me, the real New Year starts in September
	Other (please specify)

3. What's a goal you always set but never reach?

	Lose weight
	Get in shape
	Eat better
	Spend more time with friends/family
	Volunteer
	Work less
	Learn a new skill
	Devote more time to hobbies/leisure
	Pay down debt
	Focus on spirituality or religion
	Change careers/switch jobs
	Go back to school
	Spend more time by myself
	Other (please specify)

4. What goal are you proudest of reaching?

5. How do you keep track of your goals?

	Make a list
	Keep a journal/diary
	Tell a friend or colleague
	Keep it in my head
	Other (please specify)

6. What's the one thing you'd most like to change about your life (health? lifestyle? money? relationships? home? work? habits? etc.)

7. If you could change one thing about your personality, what would it be?

8. What single thing motivates you to make a change or achieve a goal?

	Health concerns
	Financial issues
	Stress
	Pressure from others
	The promise of rewards
	Having support from others
	The enjoyment of trying something new
	Knowing how to go about it
	Other (please specify)

9. What single thing typically prevents you from achieving your personal goals?

	Nothing gets in my way
	Health concerns
	Lack of support
	Insufficient knowledge
	Money
	Trouble staying motivated
	Too busy/not enough time
	Resistance from others
	I make a change that's too big, too soon
	I don't see results
	Other (please specify)

Your name	(First name only)
Your e-mail	(Please include your e-mail address in case we decide to interview you for the story)

Thanks for sharing your replies. Don't be shy about sharing some more: please let your friends know about this survey. And look for the results in a feature in the January 2005 issue of Chatelaine magazine.

The very best of Chatelaine straight to your inbox.

Chatelaine

Chatelaine celebrates, inspires, informs and empowers. We know that Canadian women contain multitudes, and we cover all of the issues—big and small—that matter to them, from climate change to caregiving, Canadian fashion and what to cook now.

Copy link

The cover of Chatelaine's Spring 2026 issue.

Subscribe to Chatelaine!

A Bright Spot: Our Spring 2026 issue features 12 colourful DIY decor hacks from guest editor Alexandra Gater. Plus, recipes for protein-packed breakfasts, cheese soufflé and a dreamy rhubarb cake.