Tiesha Taylor, LICSW is well known when it comes to educating and advocating for mental health care. Sheis the host of the Faces of Black Mental Health Podcast, owner of Faces Therapeutic and Wellness, and a passionate advocate for mental health, mental wellness and mental stability.
"New Year, New Me" is the mantra we hear every January as we eagerly set resolutions to transform our lives. But how often do these ambitious promises to ourselves truly last? Statistics show that many resolutions fade before the first quarter of the year is over, leaving us feeling frustrated and defeated. The problem isn’t our desire for change; it’s the approach we take to achieve it.
Instead of relying on resolutions that often feel like empty promises, what if we focused on creating sustainable, meaningful goals that align with our values and daily habits? In this article, we’ll explore why traditional resolutions frequently fall short and introduce alternative strategies to help you remain consistent, motivated, and successful throughout the year. Whether it’s adopting a yearly theme, breaking goals into manageable quarterly plans, or celebrating small wins, you’ll find actionable tips to truly embody the spirit of "New Year, New Me" and make it last.
Why new year's resolutions are often unhelpful
Unrealistic expectations: People often set lofty or vague goals without a clear plan.
Pressure of the "New Year": The idea of starting fresh can create pressure to achieve immediate results, leading to burnout or frustration.
Lack of habitual change: Resolutions often focus on outcomes rather than the small, actionable steps needed to reach them.
All-or-nothing mentality: A single failure can cause people to give up entirely.
Motivation declines: Initial excitement wanes over time without a system to maintain momentum.
Try this instead
Set SMART goals: Create Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.
Example: Instead of saying, "exercise more," set a goal like, "walk for 30 minutes three times a week."
Focus on small, daily habits: Break your goals down into manageable daily or weekly actions.
Example: If your goal is to eat healthier, start by replacing one unhealthy snack per day with a nutritious option.
Create an accountability system: Share your goals with a trusted friend, join a support group, or track your progress in a journal.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself after setbacks, regardless of their size. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Reassess and adjust: Conduct regular check-ins to evaluate what’s working and make adjustments as needed.
Attach goals to a "why": Connect your goals to personal values or a deeper purpose to stay motivated.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress to build confidence and maintain momentum.
Incorporate these strategies
Create themes: Instead of resolutions, pick a word or theme for the year (e.g., "Growth," "Balance").
Vision boards: Create a visual reminder of your goals and aspirations, and keep it in your line of vision.
Quarterly goals: Break the year into quarters and set smaller, seasonal objectives instead of year-long resolutions.
As you step into the new year, remember that true change doesn’t come from a resolution written on a whim. It comes from thoughtful planning, consistency, and self-compassion. The phrase “New Year, New Me” can be more than just a fleeting idea; it can represent a mindset of growth, resilience, and intentionality.
By focusing on themes that guide your year and breaking your goals into manageable quarterly steps, you can create a path that feels achievable and rewarding. Celebrate every small win, learn from setbacks, and adjust your plans as needed. The journey to becoming your best self doesn’t have to start and end in January. It’s a process that evolves throughout the year.
This year, let’s redefine what success looks like. It’s not about perfection but about progress, persistence, and purpose. Here’s to a year of meaningful goals and lasting transformation. Your most authentic and consistent self awaits.
Tiesha L. Taylor-Baldwin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Tiesha Taylor is a leader in providing mental health care treatment in her community. After returning from Afghanistan, she faced mental health challenges and struggled to verbalize her feelings. Dedicated to addressing these issues, Tiesha has since focused her education and skills on educating her community about mental health, working to erase the stigma attached to mental health and therapy, and creating a safe space for those seeking help. She is the host of the Faces of Black Mental Health Podcast and founder of Faces Therapeutic and Wellness, LLC. Her mission is to erase the stigma attached to mental health and normalize therapy so that everyone can experience mental wellness and stability.
