IF YOU THINK NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS DON'T WORK FOR YOU, HOP ON WITH ME

 

Fresh start - Photo by Nik on Unsplash

As the new year approaches, I've made a bold decision. This time, I won’t complicate things with my New Year’s resolution. No long lists, no lofty ambitions spread across different areas of my life, and no detailed breakdown of goals or targets to hit every month. Not this time. Not again.

I’ve learned it the hard way. For years, I approached resolutions with high hopes and structured plans, only to end each year feeling disheartened and disempowered. The meticulously crafted roadmaps didn’t align with how I naturally operate, leaving me feeling demotivated. The thing is… I refuse to give up. I want to give myself another chance after another chance.

So, here I am, compassionately giving myself a fresh opportunity to start over. Learning from the above experiences, this year, I pivot. I’m taking a completely new approach—one that feels liberating and authentic.

Also read: Your Guide to an Effective End-of-Year Journaling Session

Two Priorities, Infinite Potential

Rather than scattering my focus across numerous goals and various areas of my life, I’ve decided to concentrate on just two major areas that I want to focus on this year. That’s it! Just two. Two foundational practices to guide my year: one that’s fully within my control and another entrusted to God’s power, while I commit to showing up for myself as best as I can. 

This strategy was actually inspired by a powerful realization I had this year while working on a simple atomic habit, which I wrote about here. At the time, I didn’t overthink it—no plans, no expectations, no goals—just start and keep going. By the end of the year, the results turned out to be beyond anything I could have imagined, and I couldn’t be happier.

I learned that by dedicating myself to that single, tiny habit, I witnessed something magical. Consistent practice, combined with small but meaningful adjustments along the way, created tangible progress and undeniable growth. It worked, and it gave me the clarity to keep things simple moving forward.

Also read: From Self-Criticism to Self-Love: My Story of Discovering Self-Worth

Once again, credit to James Clear with his book Atomic Habits that plays a major role here. That idea was instrumental in this realization. The way he emphasizes building systems rather than solely chasing goals creates significant change. Well, I don’t diminish goals. I mean… goals are great for setting direction, but it’s the system—the habits we nurture daily—that drives sustained success. By focusing on my habits and exercising discipline, I’ve seen that even a modest effort, applied consistently, can yield extraordinary results.

Designing My Year with Purpose

Of course, before diving into these two priorities, I’ll start by asking myself one fundamental question: What do I truly want to achieve this year? To answer this, I’ll use the five-layer questioning technique—a method I’ve written about before that helps uncover the root of what matters most to me.

It’s not just about surface-level aspirations. Digging deeper allows me to connect with my goals in a way that generates clarity, understanding, and positive energy. This connection transforms “to-dos” into meaningful endeavors, driving me forward with intention and passion.

The Secret Sauce

This year, I’m also embracing a new practice I’ve learned from Dr. Joe Dispenza: elevating emotion. It’s about pairing goals with powerful feelings to fuel action and success. Feelings—whether it’s excitement, joy, gratitude, or even love—can become the engine for change. They create an emotional resonance that deepens commitment and inspires action.

Although this will be a new experiment for me, I’m eager to see how it transforms my journey. Combining elevated emotions with a simple, habit-driven approach seems like a recipe for meaningful success.

A Call for Accountability

I am putting all the courage that I have and now deliberately writing it here, and sharing it with you. By putting this plan out here, I’m making myself accountable. And I invite you to join me. Let’s support each other in sticking to our priorities and encouraging one another when energy or motivation wanes. Together, we can stay on track and create a year of personal growth and achievement.

So, here it is: my commitment to a simpler, more focused, and emotionally aligned path for 2025. It’s our year—let’s make it count!