New Year’s can be a conflicting time. A time when we reflect on the previous year and look ahead to the next. It is also a time of sparkling fireworks, countdowns, and… resolutions. We’ve all heard (or said) the classic “New Year, New Me” phrase. But let’s be real: This well-intentioned motto might come from the right place. However, the concept is nothing more than bullshit.

The Myth of the Magical Calendar

First things first: the calendar. January 1st is often seen as a magical reset button. The truth? It’s just another day. Believing that a new year will automatically usher in a new you is like expecting a Monday to make your diet easier magically. Time doesn’t change us; actions do.

The Problem with “Big Bang” Changes

The New Year often inspires us to make grand, sweeping changes. It’s a bit like deciding to run a marathon when you’ve barely jogged around the block. Big goals are great, but they need small, manageable steps. Without them, you’re setting yourself up for the dreaded “failure” feeling by mid-February (or, let’s be honest, probably mid-January).

The “All or Nothing” Trap

There’s also this “all or nothing” mentality. Missed a gym session? Diet had a slight detour with that unexpected slice of pizza? In the New Year’s resolution world, these small slips often feel like colossal collapses. This mindset is not just demotivating; it’s unrealistic. Life’s about balance, not perfection. What happens when there is a “miss” is a feeling of failure that is likely to end in quitting.

The Alternative: Sustainable Change

So, what’s the better approach? Think sustainable change. This doesn’t mean you can’t start something new on January 1st. But instead of a complete lifestyle overhaul, why not try these steps:

Set Realistic Goals: Start small. Swap out one unhealthy meal a week for a healthy one, or take a 15-minute walk daily. These are doable changes that add up. Complete a few weeks of this, and the next step may be joining in on group strength classes.

Embrace Flexibility: If you slip up, it’s okay. The path to success is not a straight line. Be kind to yourself and remember that progress is progress, no matter how small.

Focus on Habits, Not Dates: Your journey towards better health or any goal doesn’t depend on a date. It relies on the habits you build daily. Focus on creating healthy habits that stick rather than waiting for a new year. When we depend on dates, it creates this mindset that when I fail, I can continue to fail until the next Monday or, even worse, next month.

Celebrate Small Wins: Found yourself choosing a salad over a burger? Celebrated an extra 10 minutes of exercise? These small victories are the real champions in the journey of change. Celebrate your wins, accept your losses, and move on.

Seek Support: Change is hard. Don’t go at it alone. Friends, family, or even a coach can offer the support and accountability you need. I like to use the term of finding an accountabilabuddy, two people (or more) responsible for helping each other remain accountable.

Every Day is a New Beginning
Remember, every day is a chance for a fresh start. It’s never about the date on the calendar but about the decisions and actions we take every day. So, as we welcome another year, let’s shift our mindset from “New Year, New Me” to “New Day, Better Me”.

Here’s to making changes that last, not just for a year, but for a lifetime. Give the bird to the “New Year, New Me” bullshit.