Ditch the Resolutions: Start the Year with Purpose, Not Pressure
January 2025
Hello, Community – Happy New Year!
(Quick question: When do we officially stop saying that to everyone we meet? Haha!)
I hope your holiday season was everything you needed it to be and that 2025 is off to a smooth start. This is the time of year when social media feeds are flooded with posts, shares, and declarations of resolutions—bold promises to fix ourselves and our lives.
If you’re anything like me, all that noise can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to even begin to make meaningful progress.
Here’s my take: ditch the resolutions!
In today’s newsletter, I’ll share why this approach might serve you better and explore some alternatives to help you move forward with intention and ease.
Ditch the Resolutions:
Start the Year with Purpose, Not Pressure
Research shows that making resolutions often sets us up for failure. While the collective energy to reset on January 1st can feel invigorating, most people lose that initial drive by the end of the month. Motivation wanes, old habits resurface, and they’re left feeling stuck, frustrated, and defeated.
Sound familiar?
For years, I was caught in that same cycle. Then one year, I decided to ditch the resolutions. Instead, I used the reset energy of the new year to pause, reflect, and be intentional.
Taking time for inner work may feel counterintuitive, especially with society constantly pushing you to dive headfirst into ambitious goals. But slowing down actually helps you become more strategic about where to focus your energy. By doing this, you can create goals that are aligned with your values and take actions that make a true impact.
Think of it like archery. (Fun fact: I used to be a certified archer and taught archery at summer camp for several years!) To hit the bullseye, you don’t just fire the arrow. First, you need to draw the bowstring back, carefully check your alignment—because poor alignment can lead to injury—and then aim. The setup takes far more time and precision than the actual action of releasing the arrow. In fact, when the setup is done correctly, execution becomes the easiest part.
You might be thinking, OK, Stephanie, but how do I apply this archery metaphor to my life? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
The Wheel of Life + Priority Ranking exercise is a powerful coaching tool that helps you evaluate different areas of your life, identify priorities, and create a clear path forward. It provides a snapshot of where you are now, highlights areas for growth, and tracks your progress over time.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
The Wheel of Life
Define Your Categories
Create 8 wedges to represent key areas of your life. You can use the dimensions of wellness as a guide (Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Social, Spiritual, Environmental, Occupational, Financial) or create your own categories specific to your life. The more personal, the better!Envision Your 10
For each category, describe what a 10 would look and feel like. Be honest and specific—what does success or fulfillment mean to you in this area?Rate Yourself
Based on your 10, rate each category on a scale of 1 to 10, reflecting where you are right now. Be radically honest. If you’re leaning toward a 5, ask yourself if it’s closer to a 4 or a 6.Visualize Your Wheel
Shade in each wedge to match your ratings. This visual snapshot shows how balanced your life feels at this moment.
Priority Ranking
Rank Your Categories
List the categories in order of importance to you right now—one category per line.Compare Your Wheel and List
Look at your ratings and priorities side by side. Are there high-priority areas where you feel unfulfilled? If so, these are great starting points for creating an action plan.
Tracking Your Progress
A great way to stay on track is to revisit this exercise every 2 months or once a quarter. Regular check-ins provide valuable insights into where to focus your attention and energy next. By the end of the year, you’ll have a physical representation of your growth and progress—a powerful reminder of how far you’ve come.
Ready to Start?
Download the accompanying worksheets below to guide you through the process.
Need extra support? Let’s connect!
I’d love to help you work through this exercise, create action plans tailored to your priorities, and ensure you stay on track. Schedule a connection call with me HERE to get started!