No New Year Resolutions, now what? Wikipedia defines New Year Resolutions as “a tradition, most common in the Western World[1] but also found in the Eastern World, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their behavior at the beginning of a calendar year.” I personally do not “buy in” to New Resolutions, for several reasons. I actually stopped doing New Year Resolutions about 7 years ago when I realized that, for me, waiting until the start of a new year was a waist of my time. If I felt like there was something I could do to improve or self develop, I should start now. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand the concept of a “fresh start” but I don’t think that self development and improvement has to be postponed. Knowing myself, I need to get started while I’m motivated but I digress. Today’s blog is not about why I don’t have New Year Resolution’s. Today’s blog is to help you address any internalized negative feelings for not having any resolutions, goals, or a themed word of your own for 2023.

No New Year Resolutions: Now What?

If you have been feeling bad about yourself, guilty, or lazy for not setting any New Year Resolution or don’t know what to resolutions to commit to then hopefully the tips below can help:

1. Reflect. If you don’t know what to “resolve” to then reflect. Reflect on the previous year and what you liked and didn’t like about 2022 or the previous years. Reflect on a big lesson learned in 2022 or previous years. Think back on some of the things your “wished” for and if realistic or not, start working towards that.

2. It’s okay. 2020 to now have been some tough times. We’ve experienced a global pandemic, may have been impacted by the Trump election, racial wars and aggressive racism and discrimination, escalated racially motivated police shootings, monkey pox, and inflation to say the least. If you’ve been following all the above in the news while continuing to maintain your own status quo, you may have been in survival mode which may have pushed self development or life improvements to the back burner. That is okay. Survival mode is tough in itself.

3. You can start anytime. As I mentioned above, when I become influenced and motivated to improve myself in some way, I’m not waiting. I’m taking action NOW. The same is true for New Year resolutions. Many people make them at the start of the New Year and if a “fresh start” is meaningful to you, start on a new day, a new month, or a new hour.

I personally believe that I do have control over my life, what happens to me and for me. Because of that belief, I do commit to a yearly theme. This years theme word is EXECUTE. My goal is to execute the steps to accomplish my goals and to further evaluate why I don’t show up for myself when I don’t execute. If you are not ready to commit to a New Year Resolution then maybe thinking of a word for the year may be a more realistic commitment for you.

If you or someone you know resonates with the information shared in this article and would like to attend therapy to assist with overcoming the above mentioned symptoms and are located in the states of NC, SC, VA, or MD you can click here to see my rates and/or the insurance I accept.  You can click here to schedule a consultation or Initial Evaluation.  

Disclaimer: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but I am not YOUR Licensed Clinical Social Worker. These blog posts are based on my personal opinions, reflections, and insights and are not intended to be taken as professional therapeutic intervention(s) and/or advice. Further, please note these blogs are not intended to serve as and/or replace formal counseling services. If you are in need or interested in taking part in direct therapeutic services, please contact your insurance provider’s customer service for assistance. You may also consult website such as (but not limited to) Psychology Today and Therapy for Black Girls to find a therapist. If you are located in NC, MD, SC, or VA and would like to work with me, click here to ensure I accept your insurance or check my rates and here to schedule an appointment.