New Year, Knew You?
Have you ever made a New Year's Resolution, only to see it crumble within weeks? You're not alone. But why do some people succeed where others fail? The holidays have come and gone once again. Our little speck of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen has hurled its way through another revolution around the sun. The Northern Hemisphere is in the depths of Winter. And so, it's perfectly natural to reflect on things that you would like to change as we ascribe a new label to the next spin, 2025.
I have noticed that this year in particular that many public voices are poo-poo-ing the concept of the New Year’s Resolution, with varying degrees of force. At the same time, there are the Resolution-stans. This eternal return of the new beginning is quite an interesting philosophical thesis and antithesis. Should we seek to be a new person, form new habits, or run down accomplishments that scare us simply because we as a culture have adopted an arbitrary point to declare a new year?
Well, it wouldn't be an interesting philosophical question if the answer was a simple yes or no. In reality and upon reflection the answer is that “it depends…”
Critics argue that resolutions are arbitrary and often set us up for failure. They point out that self-improvement is a continuous journey, not a race against the calendar. Some believe that focusing on external validation (e.g., societal expectations) can hinder genuine personal growth.
To begin with, it should be noted that I personally find tremendous value in the New Year’s Resolution. In fact, the series of events that led to me losing 100-pounds and transforming my life from a relatively sedentary and unfulfilling experience to an adventure of activity and accomplishment, was precipitated by a New Year’s Resolution. Hearing all of this public disrepute of this tradition that has added so much to my personal experience makes me question why it fails to be fulfilling for so many others. And why did it work for me?
The answer seems to lie in the nature of the resolution, the quality and specificity of the goals set, and the level of self knowledge possessed by the resolutioner. Goal setting is a skill that doesn't come naturally for everyone. Most resolutions are too vague to lead to a change. Consider the difference between these two goals. First, I am going to be more healthy in the New Year. Versus, I will exercise five times a week for a month and keep a journal of how I am feeling physically and emotionally. The second is aiming at the same purpose, but you are able to visualize the goal because it is specific. The other issue is self knowledge and authenticity. Is this an improvement that you really value or is this something that you think you should want? In other words, do you want to quit a bad habit to fulfill an internal intrinsic good, or to appease a family member or external societal norm. The first accesses the reward center of the brain while the second is anxiety inducing and unfulling even if you accomplish it. The key is understanding how to navigate your value system and having a space that elicits self-honesty.
A session with a philosophical therapist can help you get clarity on these issues. Visit my calendar and book a session today. If you book during January, Eu:PhORIC is offering a 50% Discount on 1:1 Sessions to help you achieve your Resolutions.A session with a philosophical therapist can help you clarify your values, identify your strengths, and develop a personalized roadmap for success. We can help you navigate the complexities of self-improvement and cultivate lasting change. Book your session today and discover the power of self-reflection and guided support in achieving your 2025 aspirations.
