New year......New Me?

As the calendar turns to a new year, many people feel inspired to make New Year’s resolutions. The tradition has been around for thousands of years, yet it’s often met with mixed feelings—excitement, pressure, hope, and sometimes disappointment. At their best, resolutions are not about becoming a “new” person overnight, but about choosing small, meaningful changes that support growth.

A Brief History of New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon, where people made promises to their gods at the start of the year. The ancient Romans later dedicated January to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions, and used the new year as a time for reflection and commitment.

Today, resolutions are mostly personal rather than religious, but the core idea remains the same: reflecting on the past and looking ahead with intention.

Why We Make Resolutions

Resolutions give us a sense of direction. A new year feels like a reset—a natural pause where we can ask:

• What worked for me this year?

• What didn’t?

• What do I want to focus on next?

When framed positively, resolutions can help people build habits, learn new skills, or improve balance in their lives.

Why Resolutions Often Fail

Many resolutions fail because they are:

• Too vague (“be better,” “get healthier”)

• Too extreme (“never fail again,” “change everything at once”)

• Based on pressure rather than personal values

When goals are unrealistic or rooted in guilt, motivation fades quickly.

How to Set Better Resolutions

Focus on habits, not perfection

Small actions done consistently matter more than dramatic changes.

Be specific but flexible

Instead of “read more,” try “read 10 minutes a day” and allow yourself to adjust.

Choose resolutions that support well-being

Goals should help you feel more balanced, not stressed or inadequate.

Limit the number

One to three meaningful resolutions are easier to maintain than a long list.

Resolution Ideas That Encourage Growth

• Learn something new or creative

• Improve organization or time management

• Spend more time on hobbies you enjoy

• Strengthen friendships or family connections

• Practice gratitude or reflection

These types of resolutions focus on growth rather than self-criticism.

A Kinder Approach to the New Year

It’s important to remember that progress isn’t linear. Missing a day or changing a goal doesn’t mean failure—it means you’re learning what works for you.

The new year isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about continuing to grow into who you already are, one small step at a time.