Okay, so it’s the new year. Everyone’s talking about resolutions, setting goals, and all that. And honestly? I feel like a total fraud.
Don’t get me wrong, I want to be one of those people who has it all figured out. You know, the ones with perfectly curated vision boards and meticulously planned schedules. But the truth is, I’m terrible at this whole “intention-setting” thing.
Every year, I swear I’ll be different. I’ll finally read more , write more blogs, be more organized, or maybe even get into shape (okay, maybe that one’s a long shot). But then life happens. Work gets crazy, I binge-watch another season of something, and suddenly it’s February and I’m still eating cereal for dinner (True Story!).
This year, I’m taking a different approach. Instead of beating myself up over lofty goals I’m bound to fail at, I’m focusing on small, achievable steps.
- Want to read more? Start with 15 minutes a day instead of promising to devour a book a week.
- Craving a healthier lifestyle? Swap one sugary drink for water instead of going full-blown juice cleanse. Pray for me!!
- Yearning to be more creative? Spend 5 minutes a day doodling or writing, even if it’s just a few sentences.
Baby steps, people!
And most importantly, I’m giving myself permission to fail. Life’s messy, and sometimes plans go out the window. That’s okay. I’ll pick myself up, dust myself off, and try again tomorrow.
Maybe this year, “new year, new me” won’t be about radical transformation. Maybe it’s about being kinder to myself, celebrating small victories, and enjoying the ride, even if it’s a little bumpy.
But the pressure to “make the most” of the new year can be intense. What if “most” isn’t about achieving some arbitrary level of success? What if it’s about simply being kinder to myself?
This year, I’m ditching the grand pronouncements and the unrealistic expectations. I’m focusing on small, achievable habits that actually bring me joy. Instead of vowing to “read more,” I’m going to dedicate 15 minutes each day to a good book, no matter what. Instead of stressing about a perfectly balanced diet, I’m going to prioritize one healthy meal a day.
It’s about progress, not perfection. It’s about celebrating small victories, like remembering to drink enough water or actually going for a walk during my lunch break. It’s about acknowledging that life throws curveballs and sometimes plans go out the window. And that’s okay.
I’m learning to embrace the messiness. To forgive myself for not always being productive or motivated. To appreciate the journey, even when it feels like I’m stumbling along.
Maybe this year, “new year, new me” isn’t about becoming a completely different person. Maybe it’s about simply being a better version of myself – someone who is kinder, more patient, and more present.
What about you? How do you approach the new year? Do you feel the pressure to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions? How do you deal with it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to “do it all,” remember you’re not alone. “We’ve Got this!”