Lets start 2025 with different thinking

il. I state my case for a different approach.

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Every January, millions of people resolve to change with an ambitious New Year’s resolutions. They make a commitment to ,lose weight, save money, stop smoking, curb that ever-increasing consumption of alcohol or something else! They join the gym committing to a yearly subscription. Yet, by mid-February the gyms are less crowded, saving plans abandoned, unhealthy habits resurface! This phenomenon is so common it has become a cultural joke. What you fallen off the wagon already, joking tone of voice. Why do New Year’s resolutions so often fail? How can we frame our approach to personal growth and achieve lasting change! We need to change our approach, set ourselves more achievable goals and stick to them. The answer lies in rejecting the yearly ritual and just commit to being the best version of yourself you can be, today!

The psychology behind New Year’s resolutions.

The all or nothing mentality.

One of the biggest problems with New Year’s resolutions is the all or nothing mentality they encourage. People often set overly ambitious goals, expecting dramatic changes overnight. I ask you is it a realistic target to stop a bad habit overnight? I have no doubt people can achieve their goal. However, they are few in numbers. Someone may commit to losing weight, 30lbs within the next three months is their aim. They miss a workout session or indulge in a sweet treat, this promotes a sense of failure. This rigid mindset leaves little room for flexibility, the moment one slipup occurs, the entire resolution can unravel.

External pressure versus internal motivation.

New year resolutions and the pressure to commit to one come from external influences, rather than personal desire. The New Year knew me mantra creates an external pressure to conform to the idea of self-improvement at a specific time of year. However, change that is externally motivated is often unsustainable. True transformation requires internal motivation. The drive is born from a real passion for change. An awakening within of enough is enough I need to take a different approach in my life. Unfortunately, this often happens after a health scare or life event that forces change. Think how empowering it would feel to take control of your choices simply because you want to. True transformation requires internal motivation- a deeply personal reason to improve that resonates beyond a calendar day.

The problem with procrastination.

The concept of setting resolutions for the New Year inherently implies procrastination. By pinning hopes for change on January 1st, individuals delay action, often perpetuating unhealthy habits in the meantime. This resistance reinforces the idea that self-improvement can only start at a set time, instead of recognising that every day offers an opportunity to make better choices. Remember there is no better time than the present!

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Lack of specificity and planning.

Another reason resolutions fail is the vagueness. Goals like eat healthier or save money lack clear actionable steps. Without a well-defined goal, it is impossible to measure progress or stay accountable. Furthermore, resolutions ignore the importance of building a system and habits to support long term success.

The case for daily self-improvement.

Every day is a fresh start.

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Rather than pinning hopes for change in a single day, adopting a mindset of daily self-improvement allows for continuous growth. Every morning presents a new opportunity to make better decisions, learn from mistakes, and move closer to your goals. This outlook is empowering because it shifts the focus from perfection to progress.

The power of small, consistent actions.

Big goals can be daunting, but breaking them down into small, manageable steps makes them achievable. James’s clear, author of atomic habits, emphasises the importance of focusing on 1% improvement. Over time these small, consistent actions compound into meaningful results. For instance, instead of resolving to lose 30lbs, commit to walking 20 minutes daily or replacing sugary drinks with water. The smaller changes are easier to maintain and build momentum for larger transformations.

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Building resilience through flexibility.

Daily self-improvement embraces the idea that setbacks are part of the process. Unlike the all or nothing approach of New Year’s resolutions this mindset recognises that mistakes are learning opportunities, not failures. By allowing room for flexibility, build resilience and are more likely to stay committed to your goals.

Aligning goals with personal values.

When you commit to being the best version of yourself every day, your goals are more likely to align with your core values. Instead of chasing superficial aspirations driven by social trends, you focus on what truly matters to you. This alignment fosters intrinsic motivation, making it easier to stay resolute.

How to commit daily self-improvement

1; Define your “why”.

Understanding your reasons for change is crucial. Ask yourself why goals matter and how they align with your values. For example, if you want to exercise, consider whether it is to improve your health, boost your confidence, or set a positive example to your children. A clear “why” provides the motivation needed to stay consistent.

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2; Get specific, achievable goals.

Break your larger aspirations into smaller, actionable steps. Instead of saying “I want to eat healthier” define what that looks like for you. For instance, “I will eat three servings of vegetables daily” is specific and measurable. Setting achievable goals prevents overwhelm and creates a sense of accomplishment.

3; Focus on habits, outcomes.

Shift your focus from the end goal to the daily actions required to achieve it. For example, instead of obsessing over the number on the scale, concentrate on meal prepping or tracking your calories consumed. Here is a little tip, focus on what you want, not what you have.

4; Practice self-compassion.

Change is rarely linear, and setbacks are inevitable. Instead of berating yourself for the mistakes, practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Reflect on what went wrong, adjust your approach, and move forward without guilt. Always remember your mind and body is learning a new way of being, there will be cravings on that journey.

5; Track your progress.

Keep a journal or using an app to track your progress can help you stay accountable and motivated. Celebrate small wins along the way, as they reinforce your efforts and encourage continued growth.

6; Surround yourself with support.

The people you surround yourself with play a significant role in your success. Seek out supportive friends, family, or communities that share your commitment to growth. Their encouragement can help you stay motivated and overcome challenges.

7; Embrace lifelong learning.

Personal growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination. Commit to learning and involving every day. Read books, listen to podcasts, take courses, or seek mentorship to continually expand your knowledge and skills.

The transformative power of consistency.

Consistency is the cornerstone of lasting change. While New Year’s resolutions rely on a burst of motivation, daily self-improvement is rooted in discipline and persistant motivation may waver, but the habits you build through consistent effort will carry you through challenging times. Over weeks, months, and years, the small daily actions compound into remarkable transformations.

For example, consider someone who commits to reading 10 pages of a book each day. In the year, they will have read over 3600 pages, equivalent to about 12 books. Similarly, saving just ￡5 a day adds up to ￡1825 annually. This incremental guidance highlights the power of consistency and the potential for growth when you prioritise daily improvement.