New Year’s Resolutions: Helpful or Overrated?
Let’s face it. New Year’s resolutions are played out.
But probably not for the reasons you’re thinking!
For many, the start of a new year is a time for reflection, growth, and discovery. It’s an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of the past year and emerge stronger and wiser.
As the year winds down, I find myself chatting with family, friends, and clients about their resolutions. Here are a few crowd favorites I’ve heard:
Spoiler alert: You’ve likely heard these too. You might even have one or two on your own list!
Eat healthier.
Start working out.
Invest in mental health.
Save/invest more from paycheck.
Be more intentional in all relationships.
It’s a simple list, but let’s not downplay how the potential here. Implementing even one of these could lead to a life-changing year!
So, how can I say this list is fantastic and say New Year’s resolutions are “played out” in the same breath?
Here’s the deal. When it comes to self-improvement, most of us are great at identifying areas where we want to grow. With the right motivation, we can even create actionable plans to address these areas for growth. But there’s a catch. Too often, we rely on time as the spark to ignite change.
And that’s where things get tricky.
Humans have a complicated relationship with time. We perceive it in a linear way, breaking life into neat little chunks: days, weeks, months, years. When it comes to goals, this framework centered around time is what we tend to default. It feels natural to pin our hopes for change on a new year or a “fresh start.”
But that temporal comfort can backfire. It creates pressure to reinvent ourselves simply because the calendar flipped to January 1st. This pressure often leads to unrealistic goals, overcommitment, and burnout.
While I’m all about “shocking the system” to jumpstart change, it’s not always the best strategy for achieving long-term goals. Why? Because sustainable change is less about dramatic leaps and more about small, consistent habits.
So, what’s the alternative?
Instead of waiting for January, why not start today? Right now. There’s no need to hold out for a perfect moment. I also encourage my clients to shift their focus from big, overwhelming goals to building manageable habits.
Let’s say you want to live a healthier lifestyle. Instead of fixating on reaching a certain weight or lifting a specific amount, start small. Take a 10-minute walk once a week or cook at home one extra night. Once these changes become second nature, you can scale up. Over time, healthier habits won’t just be something you do. They’ll become part of who you are.
Goals anchored in habits transcend the constraints of a calendar. They’re less about fleeting resolutions and more about creating a sustainable lifestyle.
The best part? There’s no rule that says you have to wait until January to make a positive change. You can start now. Right this second. The present is your most powerful tool. Don’t be afraid to use it!
Until next time,
Dr. McCall
