No Resolutions

How about something that works?

Photo by Susanne Alexander on Unsplash

Well, you made to the new year - shot out of a tinsel laden cannon determined to become an entirely new person and know exactly what your goals are, amiright?

Or…not so much.

The holidays certainly flashed by like lightning.

And now that the shock of the season is over, and we have the first month of “this year is going to be different” under our belt, I thought I’d check in with you to see how the year is shaping up.

Some people are pounding out their “resolutions” - rock on to them!

A few decorations are still waiting to be put back in the attic and the gyms are less swollen with determined newbies.

But piles of people feel the whole “this year I’m going to be an entirely new person” frenzy just washed right over them like the bow wave of oncoming cargo ship.

Maybe resolutions never really lived up to their expectations.

How about something more simple?

I like to approach the new year with a counterintuitive blend of fawn-like wonder and slow-burn determination. Just about the time I’m able to write the correct new year numbers is when things start to click.

Here’s what I do.

One word. One phrase.

That’s it.

Words I’ve chosen in past years have been either nouns or verbs: Brave, Bold, Simplify, Gratitude, Release.

Then everything I think, plan, contemplate, consider, build, grow, or respond to gets held up to the light of my word and phrase.

Does this idea fit? Does this decision point me in the direction I am going? Does this behavior honor who I am becoming?

And if it doesn’t, I release it.

For example, my word this year is “curate” - a deliberate, precise, and hand-picked selection of value. Think of an editor who trims unnecessary words with precision or an art museum curator who selects and cares for priceless works.

So in that vein, “accumulating” (random things, files, ideas, people) wouldn’t fit.

Phrases I’ve chosen have been as short as two words.

I like to think of my phrase as a battle cry for the year, like the title of a playbook for how I’ll execute my word: Let Go, Take Charge, Just Breathe, Fear Is a Bully.

Last Year

2025 was quite literally the ultimate mixture of highs and lows for me.

My husband and I finally fulfilled a lifelong goal of traveling the Intercostal Waterway on our boat, Spyglass, and I was diagnosed with and battled breast cancer.

At the same time.

Woven together in a helical dance of joy and distress.

As the year progressed my chosen word “Simplify” morphed into “Breathe” and my phrase became “Trust God’s Plan.”

Each helped me be present to daily joys and grateful for beautiful blessings and crazy challenges that helped me grow.

Gratitude is a big thing for me, I am continually humbled by all I have been given. Being grateful for the good and the bad keeps me in wonder of the miracle of life.

Here’s How To Make This Stick

Start with a word or phrase that feels right for now, you can always change it.

Each should orient you toward what you’d like to focus on and how you’d like to grow.

Create a few ways to see them throughout the day - random places like the bathroom mirror, the steering wheel, the refrigerator, or inside your wallet.

I almost always have an index card next to my computer with both.

Last year I created a reminder on the digital calendar that pops up each day with “Breathe. Let it all go.” While that was not the exact word and phrase I chose, it caused me to stop and refocus on them every time.

This doesn’t have to be complicated.

In fact, if it feels too heavy, it won’t work.

If you have trouble landing on just the right ones, give it another week or so and let them codify.

A sticky note on the refrigerator that asks, “what is your word for the year?” might help. Something will eventually feel just right.

For now, pick something, go with it, and change it on the run.

As I mentioned, my word this year is “Curate” and, with a nod to Elizabeth Gilbert, my phrase this year is “Fear is Boring.”

Let me know yours :-)