What Makes a ‘Happy New Year’?
Shifting Focus from Resolutions to Meaningful Change
As we arrive in January the phrase “Happy New Year” is abundant – from social media to greetings at the grocery store. But what does it really mean to have a happy new year? Is it about checking off resolutions, or could it be something deeper? A truly happy new year isn’t about doing more, it’s about aligning your actions with what truly matters to you.
Here are some areas you can focus on to tune in to how 2025 could, and should, look for you. Make sure you write it down!
Reflect on the Past Year
Identify what worked well for you and what didn’t
Did you take the time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small?
Learn from challenges without judgment. (My personal lesson from 2024 was that despite having the self-care knowledge I do, I appeared to forget about applying it to myself - even health coaches can go down the path towards burnout…)
Casting your eye over the year…
When did you feel great? What was it that made you feel that way and how can you incorporate more of that into 2025?
For example, if you found that spending time outdoors brought you peace, consider making it a priority this year. If you feel overwhelmed by too many commitments, maybe it’s time to practice saying “no”
Set Intentions Instead of Resolutions
Focus on how you want to feel or what you’d like to experience
Align your goals with your core values and priorities
Shift from “fixing” yourself to growing in areas that matter to you
As an example, if your family is your top priority, setting a goal to work late every night might not align with your values, even if it’s tied to professional ambition. Figure out what truly matters to you and what really needs your full attention. Perhaps being present post-school run means more to you and your children than at breakfast time?
Embrace Progress, Not Perfection
View the New Year as an opportunity for steady improvement
Let go of the pressure to achieve everything at once, it’s simply not possible
Celebrate small wins along the way - Any excuse to celebrate is worth taking!
For example, if your goal is to get healthier, you don’t need to overhaul your diet overnight or hit the gym for two hours every day. Start small; drink more water, take a 10-minute walk at lunch, or add one more vegetable to your plate each day. Celebrate these small wins, and let them build your confidence
Build Meaningful Habits
Start with small, manageable changes that fit into your life
Focus on consistency rather than dramatic transformations, little and often works far better than hard and fast
Make habits easy to maintain, even when motivation dips
For example…
Taking 5 minutes to write down your daily thoughts (in a notebook placed on the nearby coffee table), as soon as you sit on the sofa of an evening before you watch your TV, will soon become a positive habit and something you not only enjoy, but reap the benefits from
Prioritise Self-Compassion and Kindness
Approach change with a mindset of love and self-care - be easy on yourself
Avoid guilt, shame, or punishment as motivation
Treat yourself as you would a close friend working toward a goal, you deserve the “well done” too!
Think of your goals as a guide rather than a rulebook. If something isn’t working, it’s okay to adjust it. If your priorities shift, that’s okay too. The key is to stay connected to your values and remain open to growth in different forms
Find Joy in the Journey
Focus on experiences and connections that bring you happiness, not items
Engage in activities that align with your passions and values - What do you continue to think about long after the event? What do you look forward to most?
Recognise that a "happy" year is more about how you live day-to-day than achieving specific milestones or holidays
Stay Flexible and Open to Growth
Allow your goals to evolve as your needs and priorities change - Revisit them often and tweak as needed
Be open to new opportunities and perspectives, doors open all of the time!
Remember that life is a journey, not a race to the finish line. Try new things, be open minded and keep in tune with what your heart is telling you
For example…
You may join a yoga class with a friend but it becomes more of a duty to go than enjoyment. You might feel you need to continue with the classes because otherwise you’ll be letting your friend down, but really you want to give cold water swimming a try instead.
The truth is your friend would understand, and it’s your own time you’re choosing to spend on pastimes that aren’t necessarily filling your cup.
Conclusion
Instead of chasing common resolutions that don’t stick, focus on meaningful change that aligns with your values and brings you closer to the life you want to live. Because at the end of the day, a happy new year isn’t about perfection, it’s about making space for what truly matters.
I’d love to know what you’ve chosen to implement in 2025 and the impacts you’ve felt so far - Get in touch through my social channels!
Happy New Year Everybody
Sandra
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