INSIGHTS
This page showcases topics that are interesting, helpful and thought provoking through monthly Matters of the Mind and Heart posts.
MATTERS OF THE MIND AND HEART
​
January 2025 Edition: A fresh beginning without the pressure of resolutions
​
The start of a new year is often seen as a time to reflect, reset, and plan for self-improvement. It’s a fresh chapter, full of possibilities, and many people feel compelled to dive into a flurry of New Year’s resolutions. Whether it’s vowing to hit the gym more often, eat healthier, or finally read those books gathering dust on your shelf, resolutions are a staple of the season. But what if this year, you let go of that pressure?
​
Rather than focusing on dramatic resolutions or grand self-improvement goals, consider starting the new year in a different way—one that doesn’t come with the heavy expectations of changing everything about yourself. Balancing the desire to challenge yourself with being kind to yourself is a delicate but essential practice for maintaining long-term well-being and growth. The key lies in understanding that both elements can coexist in a way that nurtures personal development while avoiding burnout or self-criticism.
​​
Here are some ideas on how to embrace the new year without being consumed by the resolution mindset.
​
1. Set Intentions, not expectations
​
Instead of crafting a long list of resolutions that might feel daunting or stressful, try setting simple intentions. Intentions don’t have the rigid structure of goals or the looming pressure of "failure." They can be more fluid and adaptable, such as “I want to feel more connected to the people around me” or “I hope to find joy in the everyday moments.” Setting intentions invites you to approach the year with openness, curiosity, and a sense of possibility rather than a fixed outcome.
​
2. Embrace the power of small moments
​
The new year often comes with the idea of big changes—life-altering decisions, massive transformations. But in reality, life happens in the small moments. Instead of focusing on major life shifts, make room for the little things that bring you joy or peace. Whether it’s a quiet walk in nature, a cup of tea on a chilly morning, or the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a book, these simple pleasures are what truly make life rich.
​​
This year, pay more attention to these small moments. Learn to appreciate them. It’s often in the simplicity that we find the most contentment.
​
3. Reflect on what matters to you, not what you "should" do
​
Rather than looking to society, social media, or external influences to define what you should be doing this year, take time to reflect on what matters to you. What makes you feel fulfilled, balanced, or energized? What activities, people, or environments make you feel like you’re being your authentic self? Starting the year with clarity on what’s important to you, and recognizing that it doesn’t need to align with anyone else’s expectations, can set a strong foundation for the months ahead.
​
Sometimes, stepping away from the idea of "should" and focusing on the “I want” or "this brings me peace" can create a healthier and more rewarding direction.
​
4. Let go of perfectionism
​
It’s easy to feel like the new year demands perfection—a fresh start, a new you, a clean slate. However, perfectionism can lead to frustration, burnout, and disappointment. Instead, try to embrace progress over perfection. There’s beauty in imperfection, and no one’s life follows a perfect trajectory. This year, let go of the need to have everything figured out and embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of life.
Allow yourself room to grow, make mistakes, and learn. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a win. Don’t let the fear of imperfection stop you from enjoying the journey.
​
5. Prioritize rest and rejuvenation
​
We often spend the beginning of the year pushing ourselves to be productive and accomplish big things. But what if the most important thing you could do this year is rest? The pressure to constantly hustle and "do more" can be exhausting, and it’s easy to forget that rest is just as essential for growth as hard work.
This year, focus on self-care, whether that means taking a nap, enjoying a quiet evening, or simply taking a break from the pressures of life. Prioritizing rest doesn’t make you lazy—it helps replenish your energy, improve your mental health, and support your overall well-being. You’ll be better equipped to handle life’s demands when you allow yourself to recharge. Again, self-care practices don’t need to be grand gestures, it can be as simple as taking 10 minutes out of your day to sit in the sunshine and enjoy a cup of coffee and switching off from whatever it was you were doing.
If you’re juggling too many commitments, be honest with yourself about what you can realistically handle. It’s okay to say no or to delegate tasks, allowing yourself to focus on what matters most. Remember self-care is not selfish. If you’re not practicing self-care regularly, how are you at your best? Are those around you getting the best version of you?
6. Build healthy habits, not rigid rules
Rather than setting strict rules or demands for yourself, consider building small, sustainable habits that will improve your quality of life in the long term. For example, if you want to read more books, instead of saying "I will read 50 books this year," try setting a habit like reading for 10 minutes a day.
If you want to improve your health, instead of a dramatic overhaul, perhaps make small, incremental changes—like drinking an extra glass of water or taking the stairs more often.
​
By focusing on creating habits that are flexible and gentle, rather than rigid rules that set you up for failure, you’ll find more enjoyment in the process.
​
7. Cultivate gratitude and presence
​
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to start the year is by embracing gratitude. Take time each day to acknowledge the things you are grateful for. This doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process—sometimes, just a moment of reflection can shift your mindset. Gratitude has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.
​
Additionally, practice being present. When you are fully engaged in the moment, you may realize that the new year is already unfolding in beautiful, meaningful ways. Instead of waiting for future achievements or changes, try to savour where you are right now.
​
8. Be gentle with yourself
​
The start of a new year doesn’t have to be a time of drastic change or intense pressure. Be kind to yourself during this season of transition. If you fall short of expectations, that’s okay. If you don’t accomplish everything you hoped for, it’s still okay. Give yourself the grace to move at your own pace.
As you step into the new year, remember that progress looks different for everyone. Let the year unfold without the constant pressure to achieve, change, or "fix" yourself. You are enough as you are.
9. Decide what you need more of and what you need less of, including the people in your life
One of the most powerful ways to start the new year with intention is to reflect on the activities, behaviours, and relationships in your life. Think about what you truly need more of to thrive and what might be draining or holding you back. This includes evaluating your relationship with certain people, along with your habits, routines, and personal choices.
​​
Start by identifying the things and people that energize and uplift you. These are the activities, passions, or relationships that make you feel alive, inspired, and fulfilled. This could include time spent with loved ones who support your growth, hobbies that bring you joy, or habits that nurture your mental and physical health. For example, if you feel more connected to your creativity, consider setting aside more time for art, writing, or any form of self-expression that energizes you or if spending time with certain friends or family members makes you feel valued and supported, prioritize those relationships.
​
Make space for these things in your life. Schedule them in, commit to them, and ensure they take up more of your time and energy in the coming year.
​
Equally important is recognizing what or who drains your energy. This could be toxic relationships, unproductive habits, or activities that don’t serve your well-being or goals. It might be hard to admit, but some relationships or habits can become burdensome, leaving you feeling depleted or unappreciated. By acknowledging what needs to be reduced or even eliminated, you free up space for more positive influences in your life. Example, if you’ve been spending a lot of time with individuals who drain your emotional energy or make you feel unsupported, consider setting clearer boundaries with them. You don’t have to completely cut ties (unless that’s necessary), but find ways to protect your energy.
10. Celebrate the small wins
​
If you are setting goals for professional or personal growth it’s easy to get fixated on the end result. However, celebrating small wins is a wonderful way to be kind to yourself and stay motivated. Recognize your progress, no matter how small, and give yourself credit for the steps you’ve taken toward your bigger goal.
​
In conclusion
​
Starting a new year is not about turning yourself into someone you’re not, or pushing yourself to fit into a mould that feels uncomfortable or unsustainable. It’s about embracing the opportunity for growth, enjoying the small moments, and being kinder to yourself. So, take a deep breath, step into the new year with intention, and remember that it’s okay to go at your own pace. Here’s to a year filled with presence, joy, and authenticity.
​​​​
Stay well and thanks for reading
Ange
​​​​
​​​​​​P.S. Don't forget to check out my eBooks via the Shop tab. Also, if you would like to receive older copies of my monthly blogs, please email me and I will send them to you.
​​
​​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​