Entering the end of the year can be an exciting time. It can feel like a fresh start is around the corner, newness is on the horizon, and there may be things to leave in our past. However, the new year can also be a time that feels intimidating. New Year’s Resolutions can be inspiring but, there are some who feel as though it is a time that brings up shame, guilt, or remorse. If we take it a step further, the word ‘resolution’ comes from the root word ‘resolve’, which could inherently be taken as something is broken and needs fixing. Additionally, New Year’s resolutions aren’t for everyone as they can bring anxiety and pressure into the new year as well. With all this being said, we came up with a list of things that could be some helpful swaps when it comes to setting up intentions for 2025.
Create a theme for the year!
This could mean anything, but try to keep it simple. One word or phrase will leave it vague enough that you can try to find many ways to implement it throughout the year. This can help alleviate pressure and help with alignment to self.
Create a vision board
This can be a creative way to work on solidifying what you would like to bring into the new year. This can also be an activity for self discovery and tapping into our creative side of our brains. This can also bring focus to what we want moving forward.
Focus on what you would like to add in instead of what you’d like to restrict
This can be helpful in building self confidence. It can also help with feelings of guilt and shame surrounding habit building. This can also provide a sense of accomplishment, prioritize new experiences, and personal goals.
Track progress without pressure
If you find that you are strict when it comes to deadlines, goal setting, and pass/fail outcomes in your life, it might be helpful to attempt to loosen your rigidity a bit. This can look like having quarterly check-ins, establishing abstract goals, or looking for reflection instead of results.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it could be a helpful start to considering alternative options for your 2025. Also, not setting any goals, intentions, or hope to change is an option. Remembering that the new year doesn’t need to bring newness into your life and instead focusing on what you would like to stay the same is also a great act of self care.
The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition and is not a substitute for therapy. If you are experiencing an emergency please call/text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
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