Is Setting New Year's Goals and Resolutions a Mistake?

Jan 16

So January 1 rolls around and instead of feeling “new year, new me” energy, you’re feeling cold from blustery winter weather, tired from holiday festivities, and overwhelmed with all the things you “should” be doing. Quite frankly, you feel the opposite of motivated to set new goals and intentions for the year ahead. Can you relate?

Well, that’s how I’ve been feeling as we stepped into 2024. The leaves have fallen, the outside holiday decorations have come down and I am moving at the speed of mud to take down Christmas inside the house. I have spent the first few days of the year in overwhelm mode. I mean there are new planners, new goals, new intentions, and everyone is trying out new diets and new fitness routines. NOT ME! Not this year!

For a minute, my old over achiever mindset shifted into gear: “push through it Rebecca, do what you need to get motivated” “without goals, you’ll never achieve anything.” Recently I’ve been taking a different approach – leaning into a slower way of life and exploring ancient soul-led practices to cultivate a more mindful way of life.

Why winter isn’t the time for goal setting

When you think of winter, what comes to mind, specifically in regards to nature? Cold, darkness, and hibernation perhaps?

Winter is a time of slow moving, reflecting and deep introspective work. You may have heard the joke that humans are simply house plants with more complicated emotions – well, it’s not too far from the truth. Many plants and animals actually hibernate in winter so it is only natural if you are feeling like cozying up, staying home, and staying still. Don’t get me wrong, this is not an invitation for laziness, but rather an opportunity to listen to your body and honor its need for rest and reflection.

Part of my journey to slow down and become more mindful is working to understand how humans and nature are similar. We share the same environment and truthfully, it's time we start paying attention. Many of the ancient philosophies and energetic medicine theories of the world including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine follow nature’s lead and view winter as a season of resting, cleansing, planning, and preparing and encourage that the action and execution take place in the Spring.

As part of my own healing journey after near burnout and brain surgery, I’ve started practicing Ayurvedic medicine with two Dallas practitioners and turned off my need to set goals or timelines (right now) to follow nature’s lead during winter.

In fact, even modern medicine recognizes the need for more sleep during the shorter days and long nights of winter and you should be sleeping more and more restfully than before. So how do we do that?

As I sat with the idea of resting more in winter and launching forward in the spring, I was reminded of when my alma mater sent a campus welcome letter along with a tulip bulb in the mail. At the time, 18 year old me thought “what in the world is this!” And yet, now looking back - I GET IT!

You see, in order to bloom in the spring, we have to plant and nurture ourselves in the season of winter. So I am inviting you to do just that.

How to initiate positive change at the New Year without resolutions

Here’s what I am doing this winter to honor this season of rest and preparation, if you want to join me:

SELF TALK

I am paying better attention to what I say to myself. Our bodies respond to our minds and every cell listens. For example, I am taking 'should' out of my vocabulary. The use of the word conjures stress and trauma and guilt - and in an attempt to be kinder I am either replacing it with could or just accepting as is. So this is the year that I am kind to myself, that I give thanks that I can move and play golf and do some yoga. I appreciate the journey and am so amazed by the human body. (Trust me you don’t need to get sick or old to adopt this). We are unique and powerful beings!

HYDRATION

Yep, I am working on water intake (as well as eating plants and seeds and nuts and berries, and a little meat). Every human is different and I am working on nurturing my body. Different parts of our body are anywhere from 22-89% water - so time to replenish. Besides, maybe you notice you are more parched or dry in the winter (and most especially on blustery days).

SUNSHINE

Okay, so maybe the sun doesn’t shine everyday, but it can in your mind! And for those days that the sun shines, get outside! Even if you just take a short walk or sit outside or vow to look up at the sky and let the rays hit your face. (While this is science backed, just admit it feels darn good to have the sun hit your face).

REFLECTIONS

Lastly, I am taking the next few months to appreciate my past behaviors (good or not so good) and reflect on the past years. 2024 should feel different; I feel it in my bones. Others are chomping at the bit to go gangbusters ahead - not me. I have vowed to appreciate winter, to offer gratitude for myself, to allow my body to rest and to honestly have a sleep routine that is duplicatable (same time to bed and to wake daily).

Guess what – if we do our planting of seeds this winter there is no doubt that the most glorious blooms will occur in the spring!

In closing, I’ll leave you with the inspirational words of Henry Rollins.

*In Winter, I plot and plan. In Spring, I move. - Henry Rollins*

In case we haven’t met, I’m Rebecca. a spunky, Jesus- loving entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and wine enthusiast on a mission to help go-getter women cultivate a happier and more fulfilling life by establishing healthy routines with sustainable, high quality food, beverages, and nutrition supplements. I want to help you live your best life! Here are a few ways to get started:

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