New Year, New You? Let’s Talk About Resolutions

So, the new year is here. Maybe you're feeling the pressure to come up with some big, shiny New Year’s resolutions. The ones that everyone talks about, lose weight, eat better, get organized. But here's the thing: resolutions don't always have to be these huge, life-changing goals that stress you out.

Let’s break it down.

Why Do We Even Make Resolutions?

We often make resolutions because the new year feels like a fresh start. It’s like getting a new notebook, blank, shiny, and full of possibilities. But here’s the catch: most of us set ourselves up for failure by aiming too high or thinking we have to change everything overnight. That’s a lot of pressure. And, setting unrealistic goals can leave you feeling disappointed and burnt out by February.

So, what can we do instead?

1. Set Tiny, Achievable Goals

Instead of saying, "I'm going to work out every day this year!", try starting small. Maybe aim for a 10-minute walk a few days a week. Or say, “I’ll drink one extra glass of water a day.” These little wins add up, and guess what? You’ll feel proud of yourself for actually doing it instead of feeling bad for not hitting some big, unattainable goal.

2. Focus on Habits, Not Outcomes

Resolutions are often about changing something specific, like losing 20 pounds or running a marathon. But the truth is, focusing too much on the end result can get overwhelming. Instead, think about the habit you want to build. Want to get more active? Focus on building a habit of moving your body a little every day. Want to sleep better? Start by setting a consistent bedtime. When you shift your focus to small, manageable habits, the outcome takes care of itself.

3. Give Yourself Some Grace

Here's the thing: life happens. You might miss a day, or maybe you don’t hit all your goals. And that’s completely okay. Don’t let one slip-up derail you. Be kind to yourself and get back on track the next day. Perfection is overrated, and beating yourself up is not part of a healthy resolution process. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection.

4. Check In with Yourself

Set a date, maybe once a month or every couple of weeks to check in on how things are going. Are you sticking with your goals? Are they still important to you? Life can change quickly, and sometimes the resolutions we set at the start of the year don’t feel as important as we thought. That’s okay, too. If you need to adjust, go for it! Be flexible and kind to yourself throughout the process.

5. Find Joy in the Journey

If your resolution feels like a chore, then it’s probably not the right one. New habits should make you feel good, not drained. If you’re dreading your goals, it might be time to reconsider or tweak them. Try to focus on things that bring you joy and energy rather than just ticking off boxes.

Bottom Line: It’s Your Journey, Not a Race

Resolutions don’t have to be a dramatic overhaul of your life. They can be small, intentional steps toward something you care about. So this year, instead of stressing over some grand “New Year, New Me” story, try focusing on one or two things that truly matter to you. It’s less about perfection and more about progress and growth.

And hey, even if you don’t meet all your goals, that’s okay. Be proud of any progress you make. You’ve got this! 

Happy New Year!