Forget New Year’s Resolutions Until Spring: Create Joyful Goals You'll Actually Keep
Ah, January. The month where we collectively agree to wake up at 5 am, drink green juices, and overhaul our entire lives. It’s like we’re racing to cram all our self-improvement goals into the first 31 days of the year. But here’s a thought: What if we just… didn’t?
January resolutions are overrated. It’s dark, it’s cold, and the last thing most of us need after a hectic December is to pile on more pressure. That’s why I’m calling for a revolution, let January be the warm-up lap, or even a fallow month of rest and focus on easing into the year instead of sprinting out of the gate.
Why Wait Until February?
Clarity Over Chaos After the whirlwind of the holidays, January feels like one big blur. By February, the festive fog has lifted, and you can actually think about what changes would genuinely improve your life.
Better Weather, Better Mood The days are a little longer, the air is a little less bitter, and let’s be honest—everything is more achievable when you’re not stuck in a perpetual state of cold toes and early sunsets.
You Deserve a Breather Starting the year on a high note doesn’t have to mean a full-on productivity blitz. Giving yourself January to rest and reflect is often the best way to prepare for meaningful change.
The Psychology of Joyful Resolutions
Resolutions often fail because they’re rooted in obligation rather than enjoyment. The secret to creating resolutions you’ll actually keep? Dopamine.
Dopamine, often called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is released when you do something fun or rewarding. Setting goals that spark joy—things you look forward to rather than dread—keeps that dopamine flowing, making it easier to stay consistent.
For example:
Instead of “Exercise five times a week,” try “Take a dance class, go for a walk with friends, or explore a new yoga pose.”
Replace “Eat only salads” with “Cook colourful meals that excite me.”
When your goals feel like treats rather than tasks, you’re far more likely to stick with them.
Joyful Resolutions Inspired by Yoga Philosophy
Yoga philosophy teaches us to approach life with balance, mindfulness, and self-compassion. The concept of Santosha (contentment) reminds us to find happiness in the present moment, rather than constantly striving for the next big achievement.
Here are some joyful, Santosha-inspired resolutions:
Move with Gratitude: Instead of exercising to “fix” your body, practice yoga or Pilates as a way to thank your body for all it does.
Pause to Breathe: Incorporate 5 minutes of deep, mindful breathing into your day. Simple but transformative.
Celebrate Tiny Wins: Whether it’s mastering a yoga pose or finally making time for a class, acknowledge and celebrate these moments.
Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep
If you’re tired of setting lofty goals that fizzle out by Valentine’s Day, let’s keep it simple. Here are a few small but mighty resolutions:
Stretch Once a Day: Whether it’s a sun salutation in the morning or a quick seated twist after dinner, this one is easy to stick to and feels amazing.
Say No More Often: Free up your time and energy by declining invitations or commitments that don’t serve you.
Compliment Yourself Weekly: Write down one thing you’re proud of every week. It’s a resolution that boosts your confidence and your mood.
Try One New Class: Maybe it’s yoga, Pilates, or chair yoga if that suits you. Exploring something fresh keeps things fun and manageable.
Bonus Tip: Ditch the Deadlines
Instead of setting rigid timelines, focus on cultivating habits that you can sustain year-round. A resolution isn’t a race; it’s a slow, steady journey.
So here’s to starting the year in February. Or March. Or whenever it feels right. And if you need a nudge to begin, our yoga and Pilates classes are here to help you move, breathe, and reset on your own terms. Visit www.ebbflowyoga.ie/schedule to book an hour for yourself
Let’s make 2025 the year of kindness—to ourselves, our schedules, and our bodies.
Let me know in the comments if you prefer to set resolutions in January, or later or at all? I’d love to hear from you!
Le grá,
Maeve x