With every new year comes New Year’s resolutions. Right after a week of holiday spirit, people are ready to kick into a high gear to get ready for whatever comes next. Resolutions are usually things like working out more, eating healthier, reading more books or some other self improvement plan.
But there are some who aren’t fans of New Year’s resolutions, myself included. When someone asks me, “What’s your resolution for this year?” I usually try to redirect the question back to them, or something like “Sorry, I’ve got resolution destitution” and that’ll end the conversation pretty fast.
I understand why resolutions are appealing. It’s satisfying to look back on a year and see a goal that you accomplished. Sticking to some sort of plan focused on one thing over the course of a year can test your endurance, so it’s a mental win too.
However, it’s difficult enough living through a pandemic, much less trying to reach a goal every single day of it. Having a resolution puts more pressure on someone during a time when just about everything is uncertain.
Even typical resolutions like working out just aren’t as attainable as usual. Some gyms are open, but going puts your health at risk. 2020 also brought on financial difficulties for many, and eating healthy can cause a dent in your budget.
2020 was a rough year, and 2021 is likely to be filled with a lot of the same hardships. Make sure your mental and physical health are priorities.
If New Year’s resolutions work for you, that’s great! But don’t feel pressured to make one if it isn’t for you. Likewise, don’t pressure others if they say it’s not for them.