As the year draws to a close, the pressure to set New Year’s resolutions usually frustrates me. Everywhere you look, people are talking about goals to improve their health, finances, relationships, and personal growth. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve absolutely set resolutions in previous years but do you think they’ve been followed past February, no! Which is why I’m taking a different approach in 2025. One that focuses on letting go, instead of adding to my already busy plate. Planning a wedding and moving are my top priorities and if I get closer to them in 2025, that will be enough of an achievement.

In recent years, there’s been a growing idea of ‘non-resolutions’ or the idea that instead of focusing on new goals or commitments, we focus on just being satisfied and happy. In many ways, letting go of the old can be just as, if not more, transformative than pursuing new, ambitious goals.

The Power of Letting Go

Let’s face it, life often feels like a constant hustle. We’re encouraged to keep pushing ourselves to be better, do more, and achieve higher. I, for one, know this feeling all too well, particularly when I felt like a failure during my first year of university. But for many, this relentless pressure can lead to burnout, stress, and a sense of not being good enough when we inevitably fall short of our goals.

This is where non-resolutions come in. Instead of piling on more things to ‘fix’ or ‘improve on’, consider asking yourself: What can I stop doing this year?

For example, here are some things I’m attempting to let go of:

• Perfectionism: No one is perfect, and it took me to the age of 27 to realise that. If we all were perfect, it would be boring. So stop holding yourself to impossible standards! Let go of the fear of failure and embrace the idea that it’s okay to make mistakes and be imperfect. If I hadn’t failed my first year of uni, I don’t think I’d be in the position that I’m in now, where I’m buying a house, with my fiancé whilst working in a job that I love.
• Toxic Relationships: Maybe it’s time to let go of relationships that drain your energy or bring you more stress than joy. Again, over the years, I’ve come to realise that a handful of great people and friends is far more empowering than having 10’s of friends.
• Overcommitting: If you find yourself constantly stretched thin, consider setting boundaries and saying no more often. Let go of the need to please everyone. Do what you want to do.
• Self-Criticism: Embrace a mindset of self-compassion. Let go of negative self-talk and unrealistic comparisons to others. I’m not going to lie; I struggle with this one, and I think it’s something that I’ll always battle with. At a time when social media promotes perfection, it’s easy to compare yourself to the perfect model or the perfect lifestyle, but honestly, this will leave you feeling dissatisfied.

Releasing these things can create space for something more meaningful, like self-acceptance, and a clearer sense of purpose. Instead of constantly striving for more, you begin to realise that sometimes the best path forward involves letting go of what no longer serves you.

Intentions Over New Years Resolutions

On the other hand, instead of focusing on what to release, focus on what you want to invite into your life in the new year. This is where the concept of setting intentions rather than resolutions comes into play.

The problem with resolutions is that they often focus on external achievements (e.g. lose a stone, get a promotion, run a marathon) or are based on outdated ideas of “self-improvement.” These goals can feel restrictive, which leads to frustration when we fall short. On the other hand, intentions are more fluid and can be aligned with your values, making them more meaningful and sustainable.

Intentions focus on the way you want to show up rather than on specific, measurable outcomes. Because let’s be honest, are you really using strict timelines to lose a stone when external factors may get in the way? They can be about who you want to become and how you want to feel.

For example:

• Self-Care: An intention might be: ‘I will prioritise my mental and physical wellbeing this year,’ which might look like setting aside time for rest or exercise without the pressure to achieve a specific outcome.
• Growth: Rather than setting a rigid goal to ‘learn a new skill,’ your intention could be: ‘I will embrace growth and new challenges in whatever form they come this year.’

How to Set Intentions for the New Year

Shifting from resolutions to intentions can be simple, but it requires a change in mindset. Which can be difficult to shift towards but when understood, it can be so much more powerful.

Here are some tips for setting powerful intentions for the year ahead:

1. Align with Your Values: Reflect on what truly matters to you. When you set goals aligned with your values, they feel less like tasks and more like things that genuinely support your overall wellbeing.
2. Keep It Flexible: Intentions should be fluid and adaptable. Life is unpredictable, and rigid goals can feel discouraging when things don’t go as planned.
3. Focus on the Journey, Not Just the Outcome: Intentions are about process, not just results. If your intention is to be more mindful, for instance, focus on the daily practice rather than a perfect outcome.
4. Create Space for Reflection: As cringe worthy as it sounds, remember to check in with yourself. Reflect on your progress and how your intentions have shaped your mindset and actions. If something isn’t serving you anymore, feel free to adjust or release it.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Celebrate every small step you take toward your intention, no matter how minor it might seem. This will help you stay motivated and connected to the positive changes you’re making.

Embrace the Space Between Letting Go and Moving Forward

As we step into the new year, it’s easy to get swept up in the culture of new beginnings and fresh starts. But this year, consider shifting your focus away from traditional resolutions and instead, give yourself the freedom to let go of what isn’t serving you. Then, set intentions based on your values and what truly matters to you, leaving room for flexibility and growth.

Whether you embrace the idea of non-resolutions or shift your focus to intentions, the most important thing is to approach the new year with self-awareness, rather than pressure and expectations.