Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions
- Category: General
- January 15, 2025
As January moves along, it’s hard to ignore the buzz around New Year’s resolutions. Social media feeds, conversations, and even casual small talk often center on ambitious goals for self-improvement. The idea of a fresh start can be exciting. However, it can also bring a lot of pressure to change ourselves completely.
As Anna Bellard, LCSW, explains, this “grand goal” mindset may not always be the healthiest or most effective approach. Instead of diving headfirst into resolutions that may feel out of reach, she suggests a gentler, more sustainable method: focusing on small, tangible goals and meaningful intentions that can guide you throughout the year.
The Problem with Big Resolutions
Setting big resolutions like “I’ll work out every day” or “I’ll save money” can seem inspiring in the moment. However, these large, vague goals often set us up for disappointment. Life’s unpredictability can make it challenging to stick to such commitments, leaving us feeling like we’ve failed before we’ve even really begun.
Research supports the idea that smaller, actionable goals are more effective than lofty, abstract ones. Tangible goals—such as a daily 10 minute walk or reaching out to one friend a week—are not only easier to manage but also help build momentum. Each small success reinforces a sense of progress and capability, making it more likely you will stay motivated.
A Word of the Year
Instead of a traditional resolution, consider adopting a “word of the year.” This is a way to set an overarching intention that resonates with your personal growth goals. This word acts as a compass, guiding your decisions and priorities throughout the year.
For example, words like “self-compassion,” “discipline,” or “community” can serve as anchors for your daily and weekly choices. If your word is “self-compassion,” you might focus on speaking kindly to yourself during stressful moments. If it’s “community,” you might set goals to nurture your relationships or contribute to causes you care about.
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. Your word of the year doesn’t demand perfection. Instead, it encourages mindfulness and reflection, allowing you to check in with yourself regularly and adjust as needed.
Building a Sustainable Framework
Once you have chosen your word of the year, use it as a foundation to set small, specific goals. These can evolve over time and adapt to your changing needs. For example:
- If your word is “growth,” your weekly goal might be reading a new book or learning a skill.
- If your word is “balance,” you might schedule one evening a week for self-care, such as a long bath or an hour of journaling.
- If your word is “connection,” you could focus on reaching out to one friend or family member each week.
This approach encourages you to align your actions with your core values, creating a sense of purpose without the pressure of massive resolutions.
The Power of Reflection
Another advantage of the word-of-the-year method is the opportunity for reflection. By frequently revisiting your word, you can assess how it has shaped your experiences and decisions. Did focusing on “self-discipline” help you feel more in control of your habits? Did “community” lead to stronger relationships?
Reflection also allows you to celebrate the small wins, which often go unnoticed in the rush of everyday life. These moments of acknowledgment can boost your confidence and reinforce your commitment to personal growth.
Embracing Compassion in 2025
As we enter 2025, Anna reminds us to approach the new year with self-compassion. Whether or not you have a resolution—or stick to one—isn’t what defines your success. The most important thing is to prioritize what feels meaningful and manageable for you.
By focusing on small goals and setting an intention with a word of the year, you can create a framework for growth that feels supportive rather than overwhelming. It’s not about achieving perfection; it’s about fostering habits and mindsets that enrich your life in a sustainable way.
So, as you navigate the rest of January and beyond, take a moment to breathe. Choose a word that resonates with your aspirations and let it guide you toward a year of progress and self-discovery.
May the new year bring you growth, connection, and joy.
This approach to resolutions isn’t just practical—it’s empowering. By letting go of the pressure to overhaul your life in one big step, you’re giving yourself the space to grow, adapt, and thrive on your terms. Whether it’s January or July, every day is a new opportunity to care for yourself and nurture the life you want to build.
Original video created by Anna Bellard, LCSW