I’ve never really been one for New Year’s resolutions. To be honest I struggle with authority and the idea of being told what to do. So I guess the idea of having to make changes just because some tradition said so never really made sense to me. Having said that, I did try to give up sugar one year. But I think I lasted about five days before caving.
The issue wasn’t just that cold turkey is hard—though it is, especially when sugar seems to be in everything. The real problem was that my resolution wasn’t aligned with my values. I’d made the decision coming off two weeks of Christmas indulgence, feeling sluggish and unhealthy, and was just going from one extreme to another. But extreme shifts rarely stick. Looking back, I see that a better approach would have been to ask myself why I wanted to cut out sugar. The real goal was to feel healthier and more comfortable in my body, and smaller, more mindful changes around food and movement would have been a much more sustainable path.
This personal reflection has shaped how I view resolutions. A balanced approach, rooted in understanding and intention, feels far more effective than grand, reactionary declarations. The truth is I also feel that January, in the depth of winter when the rest of nature is resting, isn’t really the best time for big changes. However, if you’re feeling the pull to set goals, here’s how to do it thoughtfully.
Digging Into Your "Why"
Like my ill-fated sugar resolution, many goals stem from external pressures—society’s ideals, trends, or fleeting desires, or from rash decisions where we haven’t taken the time to understand our real desires. These goals often feel disconnected from our deeper needs and values. To avoid this trap, take a moment to dig into the "why" behind your resolution. What’s motivating you? If it’s to lose weight, for example, ask yourself what that represents. Is it about confidence, health, or something else?
By connecting with the underlying intention, you can set goals that truly resonate with you. Maybe instead of focusing on weight, your goal becomes about building strength or energy through joyful movement. When your resolutions align with your values, they become more meaningful and sustainable.
Small Steps Over Giant Leaps
The all-or-nothing mindset is a common pitfall with resolutions. My sugar ban failed because it was too extreme and rigid. In contrast, small, consistent changes are easier to maintain and lead to lasting progress. For instance, rather than cutting out sugar entirely, you might focus on adding more nourishing foods to your diet or finding fun ways to move your body.
These smaller shifts are less overwhelming and leave room for flexibility. If you slip up, it’s easier to course-correct without guilt. This approach also helps cultivate a sense of balance, which is key to creating a lifestyle that’s both healthy and enjoyable.
Honouring Your Energy in Winter
Winter’s quiet energy can feel at odds with the pressure to jump into action. January lands in the heart of winter—a season when nature slows down. Trees lie dormant,
animals hibernate, and the world feels quieter. It’s a time for rest, not rapid transformation. Sometimes as humans we forget that we are part of nature and that living in line with nature’s rhythms can be beneficial,
If you’re feeling low-energy or unmotivated, that’s okay. Resting and recharging now can lay the foundation for growth and change when spring arrives. As a yoga teacher and therapist, I encourage my clients to listen to their bodies and honour the season they’re in. Winter is a time to slow down and reflect, not to push on with fiery energy
Gentle Beginnings for Meaningful Change
If January still feels like the right time for resolutions, approach them with kindness and flexibility. Think of them as gentle beginnings rather than strict mandates. Start with one or two small, achievable goals that align with your values and current energy levels. For example, you might aim to drink more water, spend more time outdoors, practice mindfulness a few times a day or practice yoga or meditation a few times a week.
This mindset shift can help you redefine success. Resolutions aren’t about perfection; they’re about progress. By focusing on small, thoughtful steps, you create a path that feels authentic and achievable.
A Season of Reflection
January can be a powerful time for introspection. Instead of rushing into resolutions, use this month to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the months ahead. What did you learn last year? What do you want to carry forward, and what are you ready to let go of? This reflective process can help you approach your goals with clarity and purpose.
If this resonates with you, consider dedicating time to practices that support rest and reflection. If leaning into rest and recharging yourself is where you feel you’re heading of the coming weeks or months then I have just the event for you. Soulful Sanctuary is a weekend yoga retreat that I am holding in May and is all about taking time to recharge, rest and listen to your inner wisdom. This will be a weekend of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, delicious food, gorgeous nature, luxury accommodation and much more.
For more details about the retreat, visit my website here. You can also hear more about this approach to January and resolutions on the Feel Good Norfolk podcast, where I share insights on gentle beginnings.
Final Thoughts
Resolutions don’t have to be about drastic transformations. Instead, let them be a way to honour your values and support your well-being. By starting small, staying flexible, and aligning with the natural rhythms of the season, you can create meaningful, lasting change. Whatever your goals, approach them with kindness, patience, and self-awareness. Progress, not perfection, is the key to making them stick.
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