Fresh starts in 2025 without the pressure

Statistics indicate that you probably have not made any New Year’s resolutions for 2025.
If you have, that’s great. I applaud your efforts and wish you well.
But if you haven’t, take heart. You’re in the majority.
It depends on your age group where you fall in the spectrum, according to data from the Pew Research Center. Forty-nine percent of people aged 18-29 make New Year’s resolutions, just over 30% in the age 30-49 crowd make them, and in the age 50 and older group, only a tad over 20% make these fresh-start commitments.
If you’re in that majority who don’t want to create a To-Do List for the New Year – or if you just want to shake up things a bit – there are other options.
We could always do what I and millions of others did last year: choose one word to be your yearlong theme. In 2024, mine was “continue.” I also chose several “gentle goals,” such as walking outside more often, cooking healthier meals and keeping the house in better order.
And I chose a Bible verse to be my beacon for the year: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” – Isaiah 40:31.
I’m still pondering exactly how to tackle 2025. My research has provided several additional, more novel approaches:

• A to-don’t list: Set better boundaries by deciding ahead of time what you won’t do anymore. Once you break the habit of embracing too many “to-dos,” you can center on what’s truly important to you. For example: Don’t mechanically say “yes” to a request. Memorize these time-honored words, “I’ll think about it and get back to you.”
• One-month themes: Rather than having to sustain something for 365 days, switch things up. At the first of each month, choose one thing to concentrate on for that short amount of time. Examples: creativity, health, balance, nature, connection. Switching gears and changing focus can keep things motivating.
• A list of things to look forward to: One study found that people are happier anticipating an emotional event than remembering it. Envisioning something exciting can help thwart pessimism. Anticipation implies a future reward – and rewards are strong inducements. Anticipation also creates discipline and helps with delayed gratification. If we can be patient, a grander experience may be on the horizon.
• Bringing more healthy pleasures into your life: Resolutions don’t have to be grueling or complicated. Read more books. Go to an art event each month. Get a regular manicure. Take a daily nap. You just might live longer.
• Trading resolutions for reflections: Instead of focusing on things that went awry last year, reflect on things that promote gratitude. Contemplate the small triumphs, the special memories and the knowledge gained that helped shape 2024. Holding onto positive moments while entering a new year can set a more encouraging and vibrant tone than traditional resolutions.
• Counting accomplishments instead of faults: Big achievement or itsy-bitsy victory, it doesn’t matter. Any success is a triumph and deserves a spot on your list of accomplishments. Making such a list will help you be thankful and allow you to begin the new year on a positive note instead of rebuking yourself for being insufficient.
  Of course, many other tactics exist for starting the New Year in style, including just being yourself and creating a bucket list.
  No matter your approach, remember this: each step forward – no matter how small – counts. Embrace the journey, celebrate your wins and let grace guide the way.