Tag: New Year 2026

Why are we always looking for a fresh start as opposed to just being satisfied with the way things are? Resolutions are moments of renewal. It’s an incentive to make a clean slate. Maybe it’s a way to reset our identity.

I don’t make resolutions anymore. I’m still trying to finish the ones from 2020. I prefer my self‑improvement in small, untraceable increments. But really, most resolutions tend to be these big, dramatic declarations that often collapse under their own weight. 

And speaking of weight, I managed to get myself to my ideal body weight just by omitting bread, sweets and cheese for a few months. My clothes fit amazingly and I felt my best in ages. But then I brought those three food groups back over the holidays and put a bit of the weight back on – but I know what to do now to get back into shape – starting on January 1^st, 2026 only because it’s so close. It’s more of a goal than a resolution.

Resolutions are kind of like trial subscriptions. Most people cancel by February. They often fail because they’re too rigid. Let’s say you miss a day, then you feel as if you’ve “broken” the resolution. The more realistic approach is if you slip up, just adjust and keep going.  Instead of “no” sweets (for months) I’ll have a weekly little something to satisfy a craving instead of eating half a cherry pie in a moment of weakness because I denied myself for so long. (Yes, I did).  I’ve discovered that completely denying yourself is not sustainable.

Resolutions like “get healthy” or “save money” are too broad.  And people, we should not wait for a new year to want to get healthy – it should be an “always on our list” thing. Resolutions can work if they‘re smaller, more realistic immediate steps to succeed.

Psychology Today notes that most resolutions pit willpower against old habits, and willpower alone usually loses. Our brains love routine and predictability. A resolution is basically you saying: “Hey brain, let’s do everything differently starting tomorrow.”

So unless the change is gradual, meaningful, and tied to identity, the old habits win.

My resolve is to continue to put quality over quantity – in everything.  From food to friendships and even clothing.  I’m still working on the shoes though.

Continuous, self‑directed growth without the pressure of a once‑a‑year overhaul is much closer to how real change usually happens.  I like that.

I’m curious about what kinds of personal improvements have been on your mind lately?

Oh, and by the way…Happy New Year!