With 2021 having come and gone and 2022 having started, everyone is thinking about resolutions and how they are gonna make this new year better than the last. But this mindset can sometimes bring about stress and anxiety that you need to have an amazing and radical start to the year. This doesn’t have to be the case, though. Below are a few tips on making your start to 2022 a positive experience rather than a stressful one.
“New Year, New Me” Doesn’t Have To Be You
Traditionally, many people look at the new year as a reset: a time to start the new, get rid of the old, and become a different person. While the intentions of this mindset are positive, many people weaponize the mindset against others, believing that if someone isn’t participating in a drastic change of their person, then they are somehow lesser. I want to remind you, however, that this isn’t the case. If the idea of reinventing yourself doesn’t feel like something you want to or need to do, then there is no obligation for you to participate. You are worthy and valuable at every phase in your life, and if you want to continue a phase longer than the calendar year, you are entitled to do so.
Set Realistic Goals And Resolutions
I once heard a therapist say that you should have no more than 7 things on your to-do list so that you don’t burn yourself out. I think we can also apply this mindset to setting goals and resolutions. Creating a grocery-list worth of resolutions might ultimately be unachievable by the end of the year, which could lead to being overall discouraged. Instead, maybe focus on a theme or a few goals to set. Also, set goals that you feel you can accomplish, as well as a couple of “reach” goals. This way you know you can achieve something in your year.
One of my resolutions this year is to capture more memories. I’m doing this by recording a second of my day, every day. This goal isn’t daunting, and isn’t life-altering. And it doesn’t have to be. Set goals based off of what you want to achieve, not what the world says you should.
You also don’t have to start a resolution or goal at the start of the year, if that also feels stressful to you. Goals and resolutions can be set at any time.
Don’t Compare Yourself
This is obviously easier said than done. We are always comparing ourselves to others and our past selves. But attempt to distance yourself from that thinking. As said before, you are valuable and worthy at every phase of your life. You might feel like you’re growing at a different pace than those around you, but life is not a race or competition.
The start of a new year is always exciting. Who knows what will happen or what opportunities might be revealed. Keeping a mindset of self-love and compassion will help to create a positive start to 2022 rather than one shrouded in stress. Happy New Year!