It’s that time of year again– where the “new year, new me!” posts start rolling in, along with long, overwhelming lists of New Year’s resolutions that often leave us feeling bad about everything we didn’t get to the year before.
The holidays are behind us, and ahead we have a brand-new year. A fresh start. New beginnings. And, let's be honest, a long list of “todos” we’ll feel motivated to accomplish… until about mid January. Work out more. Eat out less. Save more money (yes, that means not going to Starbucks for the fifth time in one week).
We feel inspired, inspired, inspired. . . and then, CRASH. Life happens. We fall back into familiar routines, leaving us feeling depleted, unmotivated, and disappointed in ourselves.
But what if there were a healthier, more realistic, and more self-loving way to approach the new year?
First: What were your successes last year?
What if, instead of starting with a list of everything we want to do, we first wrote a list of everything we did do this past year? Read books. Worked a 9-5. Paid down debt. Fed the family (most nights). Took that trip. Made it through hard days.
Before rushing into the year ahead, what if you paused to acknowledge the year you just lived? Taking time to reflect can remind you of how much you actually accomplished– and show you that meaningful growth often happens without being written on a checklist.
So, where do the New Year's resolutions fit in?
Second: How do you want to feel this year?
Rather than setting yourself up for burnout with unrealistic expectations, consider starting with how you want to feel throughout this next year– and then work backwards.
- Want to feel more connected? Prioritize friendships and intentional time alone.
- Want to feel more grounded? Spend more time in nature and away from screens.
- Want to feel more financially stable? Focus on creating a realistic budget and using stress-management tools when things feel tough.
- Want to feel healthier in your body? Practice listening to and honoring what your body needs.
When you focus on how you want to feel, it becomes easier to identify small, meaningful ways to bring more of that into your life. This approach helps you stay connected to your intentions long after the initial motivation fades.
However, doing this on your own can sometimes feel overwhelming– and that's okay. Therapy can be a supportive space to explore your goals, values, and desires for the year ahead.
Whether or not “starting therapy” is on your resolution list, it may be time to connect with one of our highly qualified licensed professionals and start making 2026 a year rooted in intention, growth, and self-compassion.
