The stressful race to write our New Years resolutions.

 

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This struggle is real, fellow morers and resolution-makers! As we glide into the shiny new year, we open our notebooks to write down our hopes, dreams, and aspirations. But wait—before you start drafting that long list of New Year’s resolutions, let’s take a moment to talk about why stressing over them is just plain overrated.

Every year, we’re bombarded with messages about becoming our "best selves." You know the drill: lose ten pounds, pick up a new hobby, read a book a week, and walk your dog at least three times daily . It's all well and good, but when you pile too many expectations onto yourself, it’s like trying to stuff a winter coat into a summer backpack. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t fit.

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First off, let’s acknowledge that not everyone is in the same place. Your coworker might be ready to tackle a marathon, while you're just trying to tackle getting out of bed before noon on a Saturday. And guess what? Both of those are completely valid. Resolutions should reflect what you genuinely want—not what Instagram influencers or family members are pushing you to achieve. 

Ever notice how life has a funny way of derailing our best-laid plans? Just when you’ve committed to cooking more, your oven decides to take an extended vacation. Or when you pledge to read 52 books, you find yourself binging a new Netflix series instead (hey, the new season of that show was just too tempting!). It’s all part of the human experience. We can’t control everything, and that’s okay! Instead of stressing about whether you’re going to keep your resolutions, maybe the real goal should be flexibility and self-compassion.

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Resolutions can be a great way to set intentions, but if you approach the new year like it’s the only time you can make changes, you’re setting yourself up for a rollercoaster ride of pressure and potential disappointment. Want to make 2024 your year? Awesome! But remember, you can make small changes at any time. New habits aren’t confined to the calendar—every day is a fresh opportunity to shift your mindset and take a step forward. 

Let’s talk about those little victories. Maybe you don’t become a gym rat overnight, but if you manage to take a walk a few times a week or swap chips for healthier snacks, that’s something to celebrate! Recognizing your progress, no matter how small, will boost your confidence and make the journey feel less daunting. So go ahead, give yourself a little pat on the back! You deserve it.

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One of the biggest buzzkills of New Year’s resolutions is the myth that you have to be perfect. Spoiler: nobody is. We’re all just human beings navigating this wild ride called life. Embrace the messiness! If you hit a bump in the road, don't beat yourself up—just take a breath, recalibrate, and keep moving forward at your own pace. 

So this year, let’s agree to take a chill pill when it comes to our resolutions. Think about what you actually want to achieve—not what you think you should want, and remember that life is a journey, not a race. We can make changes whenever we feel ready, and that’s the beauty of it all. Here’s to a laid-back approach to the new year—because less stress equals more time for the good stuff, like enjoying a lazy Sunday or catching up with friends over a cup of coffee. 

Happy New Year, and may it be full of joy, growth, and just the right amount of chill!