The New Year is here, and as we welcome 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed. Let’s cherish the moments that made us laugh and acknowledge the ones that brought us tears. Every year has its ups and downs, and as we look back on those experiences, let’s carry forward the lessons they’ve taught us and set meaningful intentions for the year ahead.
Personally, I have started to use the phrase 'setting intentions' when thinking about the year ahead, rather than 'New Year’s resolutions.' In the past, I found that making resolutions and not sticking to them could negatively impact my mental well-being. I’d start the year with ambitious goals for my health and other areas of life, but as time went on and I didn’t meet those goals, I’d feel bad and guilty about it. I would get discouraged if I got off track and each time I did, it was harder and harder to get back on track.
Eventually, I decided that wasn’t how I wanted to begin my year. Instead, I wanted to start with hope and excitement for what was to come. I decided to start setting intentions.
Setting intentions is about focusing on how you want to feel, what you want to prioritize, and the kind of mindset you want to create in your life, rather than setting specific goals like traditional New Year’s resolutions.
For example, instead of saying, "I will go to the gym five days a week," an intention might be, "I want to put my physical and mental well-being as a top priority this year." This approach emphasizes personal growth and aligns with your values, allowing for flexibility as life changes.
Intentions serve as a guide to help you stay grounded and mindful throughout the year, encouraging positivity without the pressure of perfection, or the fear of failure. It's about creating a direction rather than a destination.
For some people, setting intentions might not be enough of a motivator to stay on track with achieving their goals. If you find that setting resolutions helps keep you accountable and supports you in reaching your goals, then go for it! The key is to do what works best for you, and only you can decide what that is.
If you choose to set resolutions this year, I’ve put together a few helpful tips to support your mental well-being along the way:
The first and most important tip on my list—and something I always remind myself— be kind to yourself! If your resolutions don’t go as planned or you miss a day, don’t get discouraged. You have an entire year to work toward your goals! Being hard on yourself will only make it harder to stay motivated and on track, so show yourself some compassion and keep going
My second tip is to celebrate all your progress, whether big or small. Even if you feel you’ve only made a little progress, celebrate it anyway! Acknowledging and celebrating even the smallest gains helps keep you motivated and maintains your momentum.
My third tip is to set achievable and realistic goals. Keeping your goals within reach and something you can genuinely see yourself accomplishing is key to success. Setting goals that are too high or unrealistic can make it harder to stay motivated and may leave you feeling discouraged. By setting realistic goals, you’re setting yourself up for success and making it easier to achieve the results you’re aiming for.
My final tip is to keep going and not give up, even when times get tough. Chances are, you’ve faced challenges in life before and found your way through to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your New Year’s resolutions might feel difficult at times, but just like other obstacles you’ve overcome, persistence can lead to success. If you keep trying, you’ll eventually get to where you want to be.
Whether you are making resolutions or setting intentions for the year ahead, the most important thing is to do what feels right for you—what aligns with your values and brings you joy. This is your journey, and every step, no matter how big or small, is worth celebrating. Here’s to a year filled with growth, self-compassion, and happiness!
Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it.
If you need support, you can:
Contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273. Call the Suicide Crisis Line at 9-8-8. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
