Three Reasons I Don't Make New Year’s Resolutions

1. It’s the Dead of Winter

Could there be a harder time for New Year’s resolutions? It’s hibernation time, and we’ve just come through the midpoint of winter, the very darkest time of the year. The holidays were great, but sometimes exhausting, and now we’re supposed to turn around and plan out our year-long goals and action plans?

Well, I don’t. What I want right now is to cozy up, and relax, and dream about things — not make concrete plans. I’m reading books, enjoying hanging around with my family, and having quiet coffee dates with friends. I’m also musing about what things I want to make and share this year, without taking any action…yet. 

While of course we still have our daily responsibilities, instead of making specific resolutions or plans for the New Year, try taking this restful time, like a few weeks, to reflect on what it is you enjoy right now, and what you might want to accomplish. You’ll make some real plans...later.

2. Spring is a More Natural time for Action

And it’s not that far away. We just had Mid-winter in December with the Winter Solstice, so that means that March 21st is actually Mid-spring. Accordingly, February 2nd, known as the cross quarter day of Imbolc in Celtic lore (or Groundhog Day in our contemporary world) is the real start of Spring, and it’s only weeks away. 

Think of February 2nd as not only the beginning of Spring, but the beginning of your planning year as well. You’ll feel ready for new projects and habits then after a good winter rest. By early February, the light really feels like it's coming back, green things are springing up from the ground, and you’ll be ready to launch your new projects and goals for real.

3. The Seasons are Natural Checkpoints for Progress

When you begin new things in Spring, there are natural checkpoints throughout the year to see if you are on track. You can actually chart out where you want your progress to be by Summer, Fall, Winter, and next Spring. 

You can even coordinate your goals with the energy of the season, if that resonates for you. Like plants, some projects may hibernate for winter too, and spring back the following year, or they may just be annuals, stopping after one year, or they could be evergreen, and ongoing.

Dream into 2024

So relax from all the planning and doing these next few weeks, and take the time to rest, and dream, and notice what those things are that you truly enjoy. And then make your plans in February.