Why January Is For Reset, And Not Resolutions
I'm ditching the annual list of goals this week, and opting for rest and reflection.
Every January we hit the ground running with a to-do list, we dream up goals, save healthy recipes we want to try and craft a workout plan we aim to follow. We want to “start fresh” and if I’m being honest, I’m just not into it this year.
I had a bit of a revelation last week that instead of a fresh start with goals and a to-do list, I wanted to recover from the very busy holiday season and build intentionality without pressure. A bit of a slower start to the year, if you will. What’s the rush?
We just wrapped up 2.5 months of holidays, entertaining, spending, sales on sales and running on empty by the end of it all. Plus, the holiday season this year felt super rushed with Thanksgiving happening so late that it just felt like a sprint to the finish line. Why are we now rushing into making a vision board and a to-do list and overhauling our entire routine after all of that? Even that takes energy and time and motivation, where is the REST?
I began writing my annual goals list blog post when I realized, I think I’m skipping it this year. Usually when I write this list it’s more goals based and not routine altering. But I always look back at the prior year's posts to see how I’ve done. This year, I ended up writing my goals first, and THEN went back to look at prior years to reflect on my progress. I quickly realized my 2025 goals were pretty much the same as the last few years. Extended stay in Paris, work on my French, consume less and create more. Many goals I am constantly working on and am always thinking about. Honestly, what a waste of writing over 1,000 words…but I digress.
So why do I need to write them all down again? I clearly am focused on these goals and working on them throughout the year every single day. Trust me, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t do my Duolingo (I’m on a 875 day streak) or think about when would be a good time to visit Paris. Anytime is a good time to visit, obviously. Being aware of these goals throughout the year is honestly how goals get accomplished best. Small incremental changes and habits working towards a goal, right? I mean one year I had “spend a month in NYC and maybe even move there” on the list, so I think I’m pretty good at focusing on goals and eventually seeing them come to fruition.
That had me thinking, maybe January just needs to be a month of rest.
A bit of a reset, reflection, restoring our energy and easing into a new year. I shared this sentiment on Threads and Instagram, and it absolutely blew the fuck up. Totally viral with thousands of shares and comments. Which made me realize, this month really doesn’t have to be the month you start an entire new life just because you’re told you have to. And clearly, I’m not alone in that sentiment either.
It’s the middle of winter too. It’s cold, gloomy and everything is dead and in hibernation. Why am I relaunching my life this week? Because we’re told to? I’m not saying veg out on your couch for the next month and do absolutely nothing, but if you need the physical rest, take it. I found myself sleeping in until 10 am one day this week which to me, was a sign that I needed to actually REST. As someone who is up at 7:30 on the dot every day, that was a sign that I needed to take a beat for myself.
A Restful January Is The Way To Go
Instead of diving into big resolutions, I’m focusing on a more restful January. This is not a month for me to be a lazy mess. That’s not what I’m saying at all. But for me, I think this month will be easing into a routine again. I am someone who enjoys a workout and cooking, so I just want to get back into that routine I was in before the holidays took over my social calendar and threw a wrench in those habits I enjoy.
I’m going to consider building small habits. More walks, more reading, but no goals. Just vibes for now. And reflect on the last year. I had one of the most exciting years of my life this last year living in NYC. I was challenging myself to make new friends, and exploring a new city, and figuring it all out as a solopreneur. I am proud of it. And I also am quick to feel like I need to top it all which can feel stressful and overwhelming instantly. Because if I’m being honest, looking at my blank revenue spreadsheet at the start of January fills me with a ton of anxiety. Will I have a good enough year, will I make it another year in NYC, will I struggle or thrive with my business?
All of these thoughts need to be dealt with, but setting massive goals and resolutions in the first week doesn’t guarantee success for the year. If anything, it can leave me feeling overwhelmed before I’ve even taken the first step. A more measured approach and easing into new ideas are key. Plus, I have taxes to handle in January which is a daunting task that takes time and energy that needs to get done. So starting all new business ideas and motivations usually get put on the back burner anyway in January.
Rest is truly important and essential. Listen to your body and reflect on the last year and what you want the new year to look and feel like. Because imagining and planning a great year takes a little time. Maybe these goals will be launched in February, or maybe next week. Or even in March during the spring equinox when Mother Nature wakes up too. I'm going to ease into the new year by thinking about how I want this year to go and then slowly work toward the habits, tasks, and motivation that will give me the results I want.
I love this and completely agree.