Progress Without the Pressure of New Year’s Resolutions
Every January, the internet fills up with New Year’s resolutions, goal lists, and promises of total life transformations. This year, I found myself being asked the same question over and over again: “So, what’s your resolution?” But the truth is, I don’t have one. And for the first time, I feel completely at peace with that. This is a reflection on why I’m skipping resolutions, choosing consistency instead, and redefining what real progress actually looks like.
I’m skipping resolutions
I felt like I needed to scramble to pick something to better myself. I wanted to pick something that would leave people saying, “wow, good for you.” But the problem with that is this:
I would be picking something just for the sake of having something to tell them.
It would be intended to impress someone else.
That is not what this is about.
It is about being better than you were the day before and the year before. And that got me thinking. Last year I was very disciplined with my workouts. I was consistent and I saw real results. That has already continued into this year. I did not need January 1st to hit for me to suddenly start a workout plan. I built habits that carried over because they mattered to me, not because a calendar told me to start.
That’s exactly what I talk more about in my article on Micro Goals! How tiny actions and consistent habits keep you moving forward even when motivation fades.
Last year I traveled!
It took physical and financial preparation. My husband and I already have travel plans on the calendar this year, together and separately. They are not international, but they are things we both genuinely want to do. It is really nice to have those anchor points visible on the calendar. Things to look forward to and things to work toward.
That does not mean
I do have intentions for this year. I still want to max out my 401k, eat healthy, move my body, and make memories. I want to keep choosing myself even when it is inconvenient. I want to keep building a life that feels good on a regular Tuesday, not just on highlight reel days.
Restart. Refresh. Refocus.
My point is this: January 1st is not the only day for this. You can reset as often as you need. You can start over on a Monday, in March, after a hard week, or after a setback.
I had a great 2025 when it came to personal goals, but that does not mean it was perfect. I had off weeks. I lost momentum. I got tired. I had to reset so many times. And I am sure I will have to do it again this year.
Progress is not about perfection. It is about continuing to show up, even when the excitement fades and the work becomes quiet and routine. That is the real commitment.
If there is one thing I have learned
It is that growth does not have to start on January 1st and it does not have to look impressive from the outside. It just has to matter to you. Whether your goal is big, small, brand new, or something you are already building on, I would love to hear it. Share one intention you have for this year in the comments so we can cheer each other on.
