New Years Resolutions?
A Friendly Reminder About New Year's Resolutions
This post might not align with the buzz around the upcoming "New Year." If you're tired of scrolling through social media prompts that make you feel obliged to do something better, acquire something new, or somehow enhance yourself simply because a new year is approaching, then this message is for you!
Just because it's that time of the year (and perhaps you've enjoyed some festive indulgence in recent weeks), "they" might make you feel guilty for it. "They" might insist that you must redeem yourself: lose 5kg, cut down on drinking, get in better shape, learn more, or switch to a different job. While these pursuits may all hold merit, I reject this notion.
I refuse to accept the idea that social media or any form of media can make you feel inferior to what you truly are. As the new year nears, the pressure to strive to be "more than" who you are can be detrimental to our mental well-being and self-perception, potentially setting us up for failure.
So, how about we call out the nonsense in this? Instead, why don't we encourage people to:
- Embrace themselves, regardless of the time of year. Setting goals and timelines is excellent, planning ahead to pursue something significant is commendable (and I fully support that). However, pressuring yourself at this time just because it's January is absurd.
- We have the liberty to set goals at any point. Initiating changes can be more effective when we feel genuinely ready. The calendar doesn't have to dictate that readiness.
- Before succumbing to the feeling that you "have to" set a New Year's resolution, why not reflect on your current self and consider if you're content or moving toward the direction you desire?
- Consider setting an "intention" for where you'd like to head and keep your mind open to the possibilities that may assist you in getting closer to it.
- If we genuinely listen to ourselves, we all possess the ability to discern what aligns well with us and what doesn't.
In essence, instead of trying to set a New Year's resolution that might not endure beyond a few weeks, perhaps take a moment to listen, reflect, and appreciate yourself and who you are. Maybe, just maybe, ponder if you genuinely want to change anything at all?
