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New Year’s Resolutions: Why They Aren’t All That Bad
New Year’s Resolutions: Why They Aren’t All That Bad
Every January, a familiar chorus of skepticism greets the topic of New Year’s resolutions. From memes poking fun (see my favorite below) at overcrowded gyms to friends declaring they don’t believe in setting arbitrary goals, resolutions often get a bad rap. But what if we paused to consider their potential value? In the right context, New Year’s resolutions can serve as meaningful tools for self-reflection and growth.
The Fresh Start Effect
There’s something undeniably powerful about a fresh start. Psychologists call this the “fresh start effect,” (see more about it here) which describes our tendency to use temporal landmarks—like the beginning of a new year—to motivate behavior change.
The start of a new year is a natural time to pause, reflect, and imagine what could be different. Resolutions tap into this sense of renewal, encouraging us to prioritize what matters most and envision the future we want to create.
Resolutions Build Self-Awareness
When we set resolutions, we’re essentially taking stock of our lives: What’s working? What isn’t? Most importantly, the whys behinds these questions! This process of self-reflection is valuable in its own right. It allows us to tune in to our values, identify patterns, and set intentions that align with our personal growth.Even if we don’t stick to every goal perfectly, the act of naming our aspirations can deepen our understanding of ourselves. It’s less about achieving perfection and more about creating a sense of direction.
Progress Over Perfection
One of the biggest criticisms of New Year’s resolutions is that they often fail. And it’s true—studies show that many resolutions are abandoned by February. But failure doesn’t mean the effort was wasted.Instead of viewing resolutions as all-or-nothing propositions, we can embrace a mindset of progress over perfection. Small, incremental changes add up over time, and even partial success can lead to meaningful improvement. For example, getting outside twice a week instead of your planned four times is still progress—and it’s worth celebrating.
Resolutions as Acts of Hope
At their core, resolutions are hopeful acts. They’re a way of saying, “I believe in my ability to grow and improve.” In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, the simple act of setting a goal—whether it’s to read more books, practice mindfulness, or spend more time in nature—is a reminder that we can take steps toward a brighter future.How to Set Resolutions That Stick
If you’re ready to embrace the potential of New Year’s resolutions, here are a few tips to set yourself up for success:
- Be Specific: Vague goals like “run more” are harder to achieve than specific ones like “run two times per week.”
- Start Small: Break big goals into manageable steps. For instance, instead of committing to a 30-minute meditation every day, start with five minutes (check-out this 5 minute journal)
- Focus on Process: Instead of only setting outcome-based goals (e.g., “I want to save $10,000”), include process-oriented goals (e.g., emphasize your plan on how to get there, versus the end goal).
- Take stock of what’s in your life: instead of constantly acquiring more new things, focus on what’s working well in your life, and what could use more support.
Track Your Progress: Use a journal, app, or calendar to monitor your efforts. Seeing your progress can be motivating.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Remember, setbacks are part of the journey. If you stumble, don’t give up—reframe it as a learning opportunity.
- Talk to your therapist about your goals: If you’re seeing a therapist, this will be a great check-in, as they can help recognize when thinking is “all or none” or could help discuss any tripping points.
Final Thoughts
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be lofty, rigid, or doomed to fail. When approached with intention and self-compassion, they can be meaningful tools for growth. Rather than dismissing the practice altogether, consider how setting small, realistic goals might help you step into the new year with purpose and hope.Ready to take your next steps
towards healing and thriving?
At True Nature Wilderness Therapy, we offer gentle, evidence-based outdoor therapy on trail in Whistler and Squamish, and online across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, Yukon and the Northwest Territories for individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and more.
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