New Year but Not New Me: Attainable Resolutions

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year, dreaming of the possibilities to come in the next. Now is usually the time where people make ambitious resolutions to create a ‘new me’ that often lasts until mid-January. What if, instead of setting yourself unrealistic expectations, we focused on attainable resolutions that foster personal growth and improvement?

The pressure to make ourselves better is overwhelming, especially when we live in a period where social media is flooded with images of ‘perfect’ transformations and inspiring success stories. The ‘new year new me’ mentality can actually be harming, leading to disappointment when our goals are not met. 

Focusing on small, attainable resolutions can lead to significant changes over time. We give you some examples that promote personal growth.

1. Practice mindfulness

Dedicate some time each day to practice mindfulness. This can include personally reflecting through journaling, meditating, and paying attention to what is going on inside and outside of our bodies. 

2. Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill can be a good way to spend your time, especially if you don't have any hobbies. Try learning a language using duolingo, take interest in learning to play an instrument, relax with some arts and crafts. You never know what you can excel at if you don’t try!

3. Volunteer and give back

Be selfless by volunteering some of your time to a charity organisation, to someone who has asked for some help, help the homeless, work with animals, volunteer in hospitals, the options are endless. Giving back can help you be a part of a community. 

4. Limit screen time

Put your phone down in social situations, take in the world around you, be present in the moment. There is nothing worse than someone constantly on their phones, you only live one life, why live it behind a screen?

5. Network connections 

Attend career events that can help you kickstart your dream career. Create a LinkedIn and start growing your connections - you never know, you may connect with someone who leads you through a door to an opportunity you didn’t know existed. 

6. Cultivate healthy habits 

You don't need to be in the gym seven days a week to be healthy. Start small. Get eight hours of sleep a night. Eat your five a day. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. Stretch in the mornings and evenings, maybe even do some yoga!

This new year, instead of striving for a complete transformation, embrace the idea of ‘new year but not new me’. Promote gradual growth and celebrate small victories. Let’s grow together!