Are New Year Resolutions a Thing?

As the New Year begins, all you hear is, “What are your New Year’s resolutions?” It’s as if everything from the previous year just fades away, and suddenly, it’s all about turning over a new leaf—“a new year, a new you.” But does it really work like that? I don’t think so. Sure, setting goals at the start of the year can be motivating, but why wait for January to start making improvements in your life? You can work on those goals all year round.

Why wait to go to the gym or quit smoking? Start now. Set your goals from day one so you’re not caught in a cycle of stress every December, trying to figure out what changes you want to make. I think a lot of people feel the pressure of these big, year-end transformations, and that can make change feel overwhelming. But change doesn’t have to be that way—it doesn’t need to be tied to a specific time of year.

So, why not start making changes as soon as you feel the urge? For example, if you’re not happy with your salary, why wait? Go talk to your boss. What do you have to lose? If you get that raise—great! If not, at least you know where you stand. This is just one example of how taking immediate action can work in your favor.

Bottom line: You do you. Make those changes now, whenever you’re ready.

My Focus Areas in 2024

What did I do last year that I brought with me in 2025? 

1. Reading – I read 84 books and I’m hoping to achieve 100 this year. Reading was my passion all through education and somewhere after college I started working and didn’t have the time to read anymore. Or so I told myself. I had time for social media or entertainment of any other kind, but books just lost their way in my life. And I decided it was time for me to get back to my old love. And oh, I came back in style. The number is impressive, sure, but I’m just happy to be reading again. 
2. Exercising – I’ve been exercising constantly but then I injured my back and I had to be really careful about it. I started with light elliptical exercises as soon as I had enough confidence that I won’t deepen my injury. Light exercise is actually helping me and I’m really strict about it and I won’t miss a day no matter what. Consistency is key, even if you need to start slow. 
3. Digital Minimalism – Last year, I finally gave in and listened to my husband. I started tuning into Cal Newport’s work, including his podcasts and most of his books. That’s when I decided to try digital minimalism. If you’re not familiar with the concept, here’s a definition from Newport’s book Digital Minimalism: “A philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else.” Before I gave it a try, I didn’t think I needed it. After all, I use social media for work, and I thought I was managing my online time just fine. But then I went a whole month without Instagram – and it completely changed my perspective. I realized I didn’t need it, and certainly didn’t need to check it every day. I still have Instagram, but I only use it now to catch up with close friends, and even then, I don’t feel the need to be constantly on it. I found that I enjoy spending my time reading, engaging with content that’s more interesting and enriching to me. And honestly, I don’t care what someone I don’t even know is doing halfway across the world anymore. Digital minimalism has helped me focus more on what truly matters to me and cut out the noise.
4. Motherhood – Still, most of my time last year was dedicated to motherhood. I’m really trying to be a good mother for my only daughter. And I got really lucky with her. She is absolutely the best kid in the whole world and I love spending time with her more and more. 
5. Social Activities – I think that spending real time with your friends is absolutely the best. People need that social connection and it’s just not reachable through social media. So please spend as much quality time with your friends and family as possible. You will never regret it. 

What if, instead of waiting for the clock to strike midnight on December 31st, we started making changes the moment we thought of them? I’m not saying you should give up on New Year’s resolutions altogether. But I do think we put unnecessary pressure on ourselves to make big changes only because the calendar tells us it’s time. Real growth, in my experience, doesn’t need a countdown; it just needs a decision and a little bit of consistency.

For instance, I didn’t wait until January to get serious about my health and fitness. When I injured my back, I started with light exercise as soon as I felt ready. Instead of waiting for the ‘perfect moment,’ I took action when I could—and that made all the difference. It’s the same with reading. I didn’t wait for the New Year to reclaim my love for books; I just started reading again when I could, and now I’ve read 84 books in 2024. It didn’t require a resolution; it just took action.

So, what’s one thing you’ve been meaning to do, but haven’t started yet? Why not take a step toward it today? I think that New Year Resolutions should be just called “Resolutions” – about you, your life, everyday events and anything you want. Let’s stop with the “New Year” pressure and just work on things that matter to you no matter the time of the year.