Introduction
Every year, it's common to feel compelled to write down a list of resolutions: to exercise, save money, read more books or learn something new. However, this popular practice is not always effective and, in some cases, can be counterproductive. Below, we explore why not setting New Year's resolutions can, paradoxically, help you achieve real personal change.
The "All or Nothing" Trap
Resolutions are often set as absolute goals: “I’m going to go to the gym five days a week” or “I’m not going to eat sugar.” This rigid approach creates pressure and, at the first stumble, can lead to feelings of failure. For example, one day you fail to meet your goals and you may feel like all your previous efforts were in vain. By avoiding strict resolutions, you allow yourself to be more flexible and adapt to changing circumstances, reducing anxiety and increasing your resilience.
Change Has No Calendar
Waiting until the beginning of the year to make major changes in your life can delay decisions you could have made earlier. Imagine you want to start eating better, but you decide to put it off until January. That wait can be a hindrance rather than a boost. Personal growth doesn't need a time frame; you can start when you feel you're ready, not because the calendar says so.
The Overvaluation of the New Year
The arrival of a new year is symbolic, but it is not magic. True change requires consistency, effort, and a sustained personal commitment over time. Relying solely on the initial motivation of January can lead to early quits in February or March. By not focusing on "resolutions," you can focus your efforts on ongoing processes that truly impact your life.
Prioritize Intention Over Goal
Instead of setting concrete resolutions, reflect on how you want to feel or what you want to experience in the coming year. For example, instead of “read 50 books,” you could focus on “cultivating curiosity.” This intention-based approach allows you to enjoy the process, without getting caught up in meeting exact numbers or outcomes.
Less Pressure, More Pleasure
Resolutions are often associated with self-imposed demands that turn the process into an obligation, rather than something you truly enjoy. By trading the pressure for a more spontaneous approach, you can rediscover joy in activities that nourish you emotionally and spiritually.
The Importance of Microhabits
Instead of big goals, consider adopting microhabits: small changes that you can implement daily and that are easier to maintain. For example, instead of committing to running a marathon, you could start by walking 15 minutes a day. Microhabits have a cumulative impact and are often more effective at transforming your life in the long term, without leading to frustration or burnout.
Conclusion
The New Year, an Opportunity for Reflection. Instead of setting resolutions, consider using the beginning of the year as a time to reflect on your life, your values, and what really matters to you.
Ask yourself:
What small things make me happy and how can I integrate them more into my life?
What negative habits do I want to leave behind?
What people, experiences or learnings do I want to prioritize this year?
Remember that you don't need a rigid list of goals to grow and evolve. True change comes from your daily decisions, your intentions, and your commitment to who you are and what you want to be. Freeing yourself from the pressure of goals can be an act of self-love, allowing yourself to flow and enjoy the process.
Make the coming year an opportunity to connect with yourself from an authentic perspective, without the need to meet external or self-imposed expectations. The most significant change is that which comes from the heart and is sustained with small steps each day.
Article by: Claudia Gallegos Seegrove
Contact:
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Email: Claudia@tucirculo.net
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Claudia Gallegos Seegrove is the founder of Tu Terapia y Tu Círculo, with more than 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and mentor. Her approach combines empathic listening and existential analysis to address emotional crises, grief, and self-knowledge challenges. She has specialized training in Logotherapy, Suicidology, Thanatology, and Psychological First Aid, as well as a Certification in Senior Management and Innovation from the University of Berkeley. Her solid career and professional perspective enrich her opinion columns, offering deep reflections and practical tools for emotional well-being.
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