New Year, Same You?

It’s that time of year again, the ads for Planet Fitness, GLP-1s, a “fresh” start, a “new” you. I know I’m not alone in seeing it. It can feel intrusive, and no matter how much we want to avoid it, every year it’s back. “New year… new you…” as if something about you isn’t good enough and needs to change. But what if this year we change things?

I used to love New Year’s resolutions. It didn’t feel right if I went into the year without five or ten planned out. Learn a new hobby. Journal more. Run a 5k. Have more alone time. The list didn’t end.

Last year was the first time I entered a year wanting to add something instead of change something. I decided to dedicate one weekend a month to having no plans at all. I called them my “do nothing weekends,” and oh my, how fun they were. It immediately created a built in space to relax, recover, and even say, “Oop, I can’t do that, it’s my do nothing weekend.” Did it last all year? No, and that’s okay. Fall, football, and the holidays get too darn hectic. But it created a softness in my year that I really loved.

This year I entered with just an intention. Trust myself, my choices, and who I am. Nothing to accomplish, just a reminder of something I already know.

What if this is how we approach New Year’s resolutions moving forward?

What if we can set intentions and goals in ways that are actually supportive, not punishing. Not something we get frustrated with ourselves over, but something that feels nurturing and even fun.

For some people, resolutions are exciting, joyful, and motivating, and if that’s you, that’s wonderful. For others, this season of “change” and “fixing” feels heavy, shame filled, or exhausting.

So what if the reframe becomes:

New year, same you.

“The me that I am right now is okay.”
“I don’t have to wait to heal or reach a certain goal to be happy or proud of myself.”

This one comes up a lot in therapy, the idea that once I get through this or once I fix that, then I’ll finally be okay with myself. But what if you’re allowed to be okay now? What if the work isn’t changing who you are, but trusting who you already are and choosing to add something supportive?

Maybe it’s:
“I’m going to say ‘I trust myself’ more.”
“I’m going to let ‘no’ be a full sentence.”
“I’m going to take one weekend a month just for me.”
“I’m going to choose rest over perfection.”

What sounds good to you?