Loosely committed resolutions are out and specific intentions are in for 2024.
The only thing that shifts during a new year is the calendar. You have not experienced an otherworldly metamorphosis just because we have moved from 2023 to 2024.
You could simply be seeking change in your lifestyle and routine prompted by the new year. It is great to always push yourself to grow into a better version of yourself, but it is important to be realistic and respect your own needs.
You have probably set a New Year’s Resolution in the past, like going to the gym three days a week, and then accidentally slipped into routine. That three days a week became three times a month.
A better idea is simply being intentional with how you care for your body.
For example, even if you did go to the gym three times a week, binge-drinking on the weekend would not be benefiting your health. The intention of care is not present.
It is easy to convince yourself there is only one way to do an activity like those pertaining to health and wellness. In reality, our needs are all met in different ways. Weight training simply may not be your thing.
Instead of beating yourself up, allow yourself to start again another time or give up when it is not working. You are allowed to quit and start again at will.
An issue that continues to thrive in grind culture is the urgency to constantly be better. There is never a time to spot weaknesses and grow from them.
I believe improvement is a good goal, but a line gets crossed when one is never happy with themselves. We all have weaknesses, and perfection is a mirage in a dry desert.
If every goal post falls to the wayside because it is not enough to sustain you, you need to ensure concepts like New Year’s Resolutions are not just an unhealthy coping mechanism.
With pristine content every swipe on social media, there is constantly an unattainable image waiting to be projected on because you fail to see your potential.
You are not striving for better because you know you can be better; you’re striving for better because you never feel you are enough.
This ability to start over and over is why you should not allow a New Year’s Resolution to ruin your January with an over-importance in your life. Setting intentions provides a softer cushion to fall back on when you aren’t constantly grinding to be the next pristine influencer.
The vagueness of an intention makes them easier to carry into the new year. Instead of a numerical value floating over your head, you’ve created an intentional habit.
You can even begin your improved-health journey in April and look back twelve months later proud you began when you did.
There aren’t rules for self-growth to prevent you from changing whenever it is needed; that’s why I don’t see a benefit in an exact resolution.
We operate on our own clocks suited to specific physical, emotional, and mental needs.
This year, allow yourself grace as you set intentions for your wellbeing, career, and overall lifestyle.