How and Why Our Priorities Change Every New Year

We hear the same gimmicks, cliches and slogans every time January 1st comes around. January is like a fresh start, a clean slate if you will. We start opening our brand-new notebooks, finish eating the leftover Christmas goodies and take down the Christmas decks. Some will have already decided on their goals for the upcoming year, some will just wing it and see what the next 12 months bring. Some may manifest their goals and create vision boards befitting their aims and ambitions. Recently, I've thought about how my goals and priorities have changed throughout my adult years. 

A small bottle of Prosecco wrapped in fairy lights.


One year, I want to achieve this, and the next year, I want to achieve something completely different. Even though it's going to happen, I can't believe how my priorities have changed every year throughout my adult years. It's astonishing how much we grow in maturity and wisdom as we get older. 


There are different factors as to why our priorities change every year. As we progress through life, we experience new challenges, situations, and major life-changing moments. It's a natural evolution; we humans just have to ride it out. It's also natural for there to be a major shift in what we value and what our priorities are.

A small bottle of Prosecco wrapped in fairy lights.


As I've gotten older, my priorities have changed from wanting to buy a Marc Jacobs bag when I was 21 to wanting to go freelance with my blog and social media at 31. At 21, I never imagined I would want to be a freelancer, I thought I'd be striving for a Chanel bag. This is what I'm saying, when our priorities change, we change as people.


Your priorities will change because of the stage you're at in your life. For example, graduating from university, career advancements/changes, starting a family or retirement will definitely change your priorities throughout your life. Even things like your health, moving house or a job change can significantly make your priorities change.  


It's important to clarify that everyone's priorities are different. Yours and my values will not align, your goal may not be significant to me, and vice versa. But that's ok! If that's your goal or value, I'll support you and be your cheerleader when you need me! 

A small bottle of Prosecco wrapped in fairy lights.


I'd also like to make it clear that there is nothing bad about your priorities changing. As I said, it's like a natural evolution. As you age, your goals and values change. What you thought mattered to you 10 years ago will not matter to you now. I couldn't care less about having a Chanel bag in my life, my biggest priority is my health, family and friends. 


My biggest priority every year is to keep my health as stable as possible. Cystic Fibrosis does wade in with its obstacles and blips from time to time. I've always said that if I don't have my health, I have nothing. I can't thrive and live my life properly if I don't look after myself. 

To sum up, your priorities change every year as you age.

I'd love for you guys to think back to what your priorities were 10 years ago - have they stayed the same today? I know mine haven't!

I'd love to know your thoughts on this.

18 comments
  1. There is definitely a fascinating shift each year, especially with each decade we go through. I know who I was and what I prioritized in my 20s is not the same now that I am in my 40s. It's amazing to think of all the growth we have experienced and will continue to find. Great post!

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    1. Absolutely Molly, it's fascinating how our priorities change not just yearly, but for every decade too. It all comes down to growth and what we see as important in our lives!

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  2. One thing I've always stood by is that health is wealth and my goals have definitely always reflected that. I think priorities definitely change, more so when you reach 30. It's like you suddenly have a clarity of what really matters and a lot of the time, it's no longer material things.

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    1. Health is one goal that has always stayed with me (for obvious reasons!). I agree, my priorities completely changed when I turned 30. It made me see that the things that mattered in my 20's were insignificant in my 30's x

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  3. I totally agree we do change a bit over time. Some things that never change for me is want to be better

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    1. I agree Melissa, we always want to do better and improve!

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  4. I totally agree! I used to have really unhealthy goals that were not good for me, but thankfully I have learnt that I don't need to change x

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    1. It's good that we have now moved passed the unhealthy goals and have much healthier ones. Never change Caroline! x

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  5. I absolutely loved reading this, it's such a great way to highlight all of the ways we change and mature from year to year. Thanks for sharing! :)

    https://melissakacar.com

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    1. I loved reflecting back while writing this post. It's amazing how much my goals and priorities have changed from 10 years ago!

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  6. Every new year brings a fresh perspective, and it's fascinating how our priorities shift as we grow and reflect. The process of reevaluating what matters most is such an important part of personal growth. Thank you for sharing these insightful thoughts in your post! It’s a great reminder to stay intentional about our goals and embrace change. Looking forward to more of your inspiring content!

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    1. Absolutely Leir, it's so interesting to reflect back and see how our goals and priorities have changed over time. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this post!

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  7. I love the idea of starting afresh each January. So far, I am habit stacking and it's working for me. January isn't like a boot camp for me, it's far more gentle!
    Rosie

    https://www.loverosiee.co.uk

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    1. Habit stacking sounds interesting Rosie, I'll have to look into that method! I like that you're more gentle with yourself in January lovely!

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  8. My priorities have definitely changed. As I get older, I just want to be intentional with my life and live with a purpose. Great post to reflect on!

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    1. I like that you have chosen to be more intentional with your life and live with more of a purpose. That's definitely the best way to live your life!

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  9. My priorities always changes as I grew older. I used to dream big but now I just want a good health, stable income and be happy ^^

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    1. That's all I strive for too Acenana - good health, being financially stable and being happy!

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