Is Your New Year's Resolution Working For You?

By: Tehila Sole

Every year, we start by getting a new journal and jotting down our goals for the year. But as we get caught up in planning, we forget that life throws surprises. That's why it's important to check in on our goals throughout the year.

Every year, we start by getting a new journal and jotting down our goals for the year. But as we get caught up in planning, we forget that life throws surprises. That's why it's important to check in on our goals throughout the year.

In the U.S., right after Christmas, we're bombarded with New Year's resolutions and changing your lifestyle. Since companies can no longer sell us food and gifts, the market shifts to selling us workout classes and diet-lifestyles. But let's face it, it's hard to stick to those goals as the year goes on. It's not because they're impossible, but because we change as people throughout the year. Speaking for myself, I consistently struggle to stick to the resolutions I make each year. It's not because they're too ambitious or out of reach. It's just that as time goes on, we change as individuals. What we want and need in January might not be the same as what we want and need later in the year.

It's important to reassess your resolutions regularly to help you stay aligned with your overarching goals. By doing so, you can ensure you're on the right track and even find that you've already achieved some of your resolutions. This gives you the opportunity to set new goals. Taking the time to reevaluate your resolutions throughout the year is like giving yourself a personal check-in. You might find that you've already accomplished some of the things you set out to do, which is a fantastic feeling! It's like giving yourself a pat on the back and then gearing up for the next challenge. Plus, looking back at what you wrote in January with a fresh perspective can really give you some clarity. You might realize that what seemed like a big deal back then isn't really a priority now, or vice versa. It's all about keeping yourself in tune with what you want and need as you grow and change throughout the year.

January can be a tough month for many, myself included. Seasonal depression often hits its peak, making it hard to see beyond the dreary winter days. It's like being stuck in a tunnel with no end in sight, especially when all you crave is the warmth of summer.

But as the year progresses and we shed the layers of darkness, we start to feel the sun's rays on our skin. Suddenly, what we want to achieve shifts. The goals we set in January may no longer resonate with us in the same way. Maybe now we're seeking something entirely different, something that aligns more closely with where we are at this moment.

It's also important to remember that goals don't have to be grand. They should be just beyond our current reach, something we're actively working towards or can realistically accomplish. While it might seem exciting to set goals that are way out there, it often leads to disappointment and frustration when we can't reach them.

All this is not to say we shouldn't dream big or manifest our desires. It's just that our yearly goals should be achievable, while our manifestations can be something we work on separately, both unfolding in their own time and space. It's all about finding that balance between aspiration and attainability.