It’s that time of year! This arbitrary line where we are finishing a cycle and starting a new one. We want the next year to be great! To leave behind all the hardships of the last…
Did you know that studies consistently show that this enthusiasm rarely turn into lasting change? Statistics say that around 80% of people abandon their new year’s resolutions by mid-February Some research suggests less than 14% succeed long-term. Why? Because change is less about grand promises and more about honest reflection, meaning, habits and internal alignment. Change comes from gradual, constant choices
A Quick History
The idea of setting intentions at the start of a new year goes way back to ancient civilizations like the Babylonians, who made promises to their gods in exchange for good fortune. Later, the Romans offered sacrifices at the start of January (named after Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions), symbolizing looking both backward and forward. Fast forward to today, and we call these resolutions: promises we make to ourselves for a “better” year.
A better way…
Instead of resolutions, a better way to start the new year, as far as I am concerned is reflections. Looking back on the past year without judgement but with honesty. Identify what worked and what didn’t, what you liked and didn’t like, the decisions you made, the ones you avoided…
What matters here is growth. Understanding why you did one thing or another, what was the motivation, how to go forward, and is there any changes you can make to improve this year
To apply change in our lives, we must first ask: why does this need changing?
Answering this question needs self-reflection. Ask yourself…
Where am I now?
- How is my physical health?
- How do I feel in my body most days?
- How are my relationships with others and with myself?
- how is my relationship with my job?
- Are my habits supporting me?
I’ve heard someone ask something along the lines of: “What decisions and habits would my 85 year old self be happy with me for? I think it’s a great question
Where do I want to be in 12 months?
- What do I want my health to be like?
- What do I want my relationships to be like?
- How do I want to earn a living?
- How do I want to feel? Mentally and physically?
What could go to make space for the new habits?
- Where do I waste time? (Resting and self care is NEVER a waste of time)
- What could I do differently and more efficiently?
- What could I delegate? (I don’t mean dumping on others but it could be like paying someone to mow your lawn…)
Always remember to congratulate yourself for all that you do right. Acknowledge that your are doing well and that there is only a little tweaking to be done
Take a bit of time to consider these questions and pick 3 small habits you can introduce in your life to achieve what you would like and 3 things you are already doing and that you want to keep…
My own points of change and keeps
Everyone who knows me knows that I turn 36 years old every year…
I am, however, aware of the real number and with this comes an awareness of my mortality. This reality has been part of my reflexion in the last few years. I realised that the idea of being sick for many years of my life does not appeal to me. Of course, I may not be able to avoid it but there are decisions I can make to achieve my intention.
Since my health is important to me, I made changes accordingly a few years ago. And while there is still improvement to be made and more changes to be introduced in my life, I am very happy with the direction I am going in.
Habits I want to keep
- Make healthy food choices
- Growing vegetables
Your choices matter - Go to bed early (around 9:30)
- Night time breathing practice
- Practice Tai Chi, Qigong every day
- Go for coffee in my favourite café, read my book, enjoy and relax
My 3 changes to be introduced this year (ok, I have more than 3…)
- Watch tv, not binge
- Grow more vegetables
- Eliminate more chemicals from my daily life
- Once informed, stop consuming the same information in a different format
- Dance to music I love, 3 times a week
If the idea of change feels overwhelming, that’s exactly why reflection is better than resolution. Asking yourself these questions is about understanding where you’re at and what would feel good to grow toward.
Taking time with these questions can help you make decisions through the year that feel aligned, not forced.
