‘Tis the season for renewed goals, hopes, passions, and aspirations. We quickly pack up the Christmas decorations in hopes of a fresh start and a closed door on the previous year. Some choose a special word to define the new year, some reflect back on the year before, while others set goals in hopes of a better year ahead. Oftentimes, we put aside our already maxed-out to-do lists and current commitments just to add yet another thing and claim it as our New Year’s resolution.
Lose weight. Progress at work. Improve wealth. Travel more. We commit to changing our ways and improving our success in whatever category is currently mediocre in our lives. And more often than not, January slips by, and February meanders along, only for us to officially disengage from the resolution altogether by March. Suddenly, the new year is just another day, and we’ve already set the bar low by negative self-talk for not reaching our resolution, thus hindering our 2026 gratitude.
In fact, according to the 2024 Forbes Health/One Poll survey, the average resolution lasts just 3.74 months. Only 8% of respondents tended to stick with their goals for one month, while 22% lasted two months, 22% lasted three months, and 13% lasted four months.
So what if we changed that script? What if we let go of the need for improvement, more, and success and refocused our resolutions on simply strengthening what we currently have? What if we intentionally focused on improving the fortune that is already in our lives rather than hoping for the things we don’t have? Consider these flipped scripts:
Lose weight → I will stay healthy for both me, and my loved ones. I will spend more time in active engagement, whether that’s a walk together after dinner, a visit to the neighborhood community center with a friend, or simply throwing on a quick game of Just Dance so that I am both caring for my body and building stronger relationships.
Progress at work → I will set healthy boundaries and be more intentional with my purpose and place in my line of work. More responsibility or a pay raise doesn’t always equal improved mental health. I will consider my quantity and quality value in the workplace. Am I engaging with others? Am I fulfilled by the work that I do? Could I simply bring in a treat to share, or lift the winter blues cloud at the office by sending a holiday card?
Improve wealth → I will choose to be grateful for all that I have, knowing it wasn’t always this way. In fact, I once dreamed of this life and all that I currently have. I will let go of the monetary factor for a moment and count my blessings. I choose to be grateful for my friendships, mentors, physical health, and mental health.
Travel more → I will be intentional about my means of travel. I could venture shorter distances and make more enriched memories with those around me, right where I am. Even more, I could improve my time at home by being present and discussing future trips together.
Resolutions come in all shapes and sizes, so the list above is not one size fits all, but it does remind us to stop looking back, stop focusing so much on the future, and instead focus on right where we are at. Be in the moment and be intentional now so that your mental health can thank you later. For more information on gratitude, click here.
At 1N5, we know the new year can be difficult for some people. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, please see our resources here to encourage help and hope.