As the year winds down, many of us start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. They’re our way of making promises to ourselves, setting goals we hope will shape our lives for the better in the year ahead. But have you ever wondered why we make them? What’s driving this tradition, and what are we really hoping to get out of it?

Resolutions often reflect our desire for growth. The beginning of a new year feels like the perfect blank slate, inspiring us to finally go for things we’ve postponed or attempt a reset in some part of our lives. Whether it’s “I’m finally going to get fit” or “This year, I’ll save more money,” we make these goals with genuine optimism, hoping they’ll bring us closer to a better version of ourselves.

But here’s the thing: traditional resolutions tend to be rigid. Too often, they’re all about what we should do, rather than what we need to feel truly fulfilled. For me, resolutions used to be part of my routine. I’d make a list of goals, most of them ambitious, and while some progress would stick, I often found myself frustrated when I didn’t hit every mark. It was a setup for disappointment, turning what was supposed to be inspiring into just another source of pressure.

A few years ago, I decided to try something different. Instead of a list of “must-dos,” I embraced a yearly theme—a guiding word or concept that would help me align my actions with my true priorities.

In 2025, my theme is “self.” This might sound like it’s all about “me,” and, well, it is—but in a deeply nourishing way. My intention isn’t to be selfish but rather to make self-care the backbone of my decisions. The idea is to ensure that everything I commit to serves my well-being. This might look like saying no to obligations that drain me (which, as a people pleaser, is very hard for me to do 😬), investing in my personal growth, or simply giving myself permission to rest when needed.

For me, choosing a theme has been freeing. It allows me to work with intention instead of against a strict set of rules. A theme feels like a gentle guide rather than a taskmaster, helping me stay true to my values without piling on pressure.

If you’re considering alternatives to traditional resolutions, here are a few ideas that might resonate with you:

Fun Fact: 

The name for my business, “Yumday,” came about because it my theme/mantra for a new year. I had a goal of eating something delicious every day—or having some kind of experience that I could savor. I wanted every day to be a "yumday”—and soon, that made-up word became a guide for my life and work.

1. Adopt a Yearly Theme

   Like my 2025 theme of “self,” pick a word or concept that represents the qualities you want to bring into your life. “Joy,” “health,” “connection,” or “courage” can serve as focal points to shape your actions and decisions throughout the year.

2. Set Monthly Intentions

   Rather than annual goals, try setting a small intention each month. You might choose to focus on “community” in January and spend more time with friends, then shift to “creativity” in February with a commitment to try a new hobby. This approach adds flexibility and makes growth more manageable. I’m spending January focused on “rest”—because if I can take the time to breathe and reflect, I can set myself up for a successful rest of the year.

3. Reflect and Realign Regularly

   Instead of focusing on achievements, focus on alignment. At the end of each month or quarter, ask yourself: “Am I spending my time on things that make me feel fulfilled?” Adjust your approach as you go, creating a practice that’s responsive to your needs rather than locked into January’s mindset.

New Year’s resolutions can be powerful, but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. What’s most important is that we create practices that uplift us. Whether that’s through resolutions, themes, or something uniquely yours, the best goal is one that supports who you are and who you want to become.

Here’s to a meaningful, fulfilling 2025—whatever path you choose! 🎉