Societal Pressures of New Years Resolutions:

And how to handle them.

So, the New Year is here, and 2023 is now the present instead of a near future idea, and here also come the pressures of New Years Resolutions, “new beginnings” and a brand new wave of motivation we all ‘need’ to think about. So, how can we handle these pressurising notions of fresh starts, improving our lives and goal setting? If you’re feeling a little lost and perhaps find yourself trying to fit into these man-made, societal standards, then this is the article for you.

Maybe your mum is becoming vegetarian this year, your friend has started going to the gym, or your sister is beginning her new job, and you find yourself wondering how you can magically transform your life.

All I have to say is, don’t!

As humans, we automatically desire the shiny, new things to introduce into our homes, careers or lifestyles, it’s natural, but why make it such a discussion. It’s okay to want to improve yourself, in fact it’s a great quality to want to work on your goals and dreams, and I, for one, fully support it. I know a few things I want to achieve and work on this year! Such as, write more articles this year for this great community.

Although, the issue with allowing other people to know, and watch us work towards our personal goals, and track our progress, is it can lead to competition and possibly destruction. Further, maximising negative ideas, “who’s going to do it first?” “Who is going to do it better?”… and trust me, this is not a healthy mindset to be in. You may end up focusing more on the opinions of others on how you are growing, rather than actually doing the growing itself.

I thought the whole point of working on yourself, is working on yourself.

Maybe this year don’t tell people your goals, relieve yourself from the pressure, the comparison and the doubts form outer perceptions. Don’t post your goals on social media, and do it on yourself, for yourself. If you don’t achieve it, who cares? No one knew about it anyways, and if you do achieve it, imagine the surprise on the faces of those who doubted you previously.
Ever heard of the quote, “work hard in silence, let success be your noise”?
I believe this is the best way of living, no external opinions to manipulate you into failure, no change of mindset to run you of course. Just you, your goals, and your own thoughts.

All these forced themes of motivation, changes and new beginnings can take over our minds and control everything else important in our lives. This year let’s release ourselves from the weight of newness, no need to apply the societal expectations, lets stay peaceful, content and kind to ourselves, work on yourself slowly, healthily and without others’ influences.

Stay happy. x

• New Year
• new years resolutions
• unresolved feelings