The start of a new year is a natural time to reflect on the past and consider what we'd like to invite more (or less) of in the future. Crossing this threshold often inspires a desire to make meaningful changes, align our actions with our goals, and step closer to the person we want to be. Love 'em or hate 'em, New Year's resolutions are hard to ignore when a fresh chapter begins.
New Year's resolutions have a long history, with evidence showing that both ancient Babylonians and Romans engaged in reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the year ahead. But let's be real: not everyone's a fan. Some folks give resolutions a big thumbs down, rolling their eyes and saying, "Why bother?" A common critique from the naysayers is that resolutions often lose their momentum; people set them with enthusiasm, only to abandon them a month later. Cue the dramatic declarations: New Year's resolutions never work!
I personally love setting New Year's resolutions, but I don't always approach them the same way every year. If you're someone who avoids resolutions like the plague, don't worry; I've got a couple of fresh strategies for you to try instead.
Word of the Year
Turn your resolution into a revolution. Instead of focusing on specific goals to accomplish, choose a single word or theme for the year, something you want to embrace and live by. A resolution is a formal, declared intent to do (or not do) something, whereas a revolution is an overthrow of an old system. Think of your Word of the Year as a guiding principle for your decisions and actions.
Some of my past Words of the Year have been:
Reclaim
Grace
Break all the rules
Life first, then work
Once you've chosen your word, the real work begins: deciding how to embody and live by it. Create some accountability by doing a weekly check in and ask yourself:
How did I live by my word this week?
Is there anything I want to change to embody my word next week?
It’s not just about having a word; it's about turning that intention into action.
Cut it Out
If resolutions overwhelm you, this is a fun and hands-on way to figure out what matters most right now. Here’s how it works:
Grab one or two pieces of paper and cut them into small strips.
Write down everything you'd like to accomplish this year on those strips. No censoring! Get it all out there.
Put all the strips into an envelope.
Over the next two or three weeks, you'll work through these strips to narrow them down to your top two goals.
Start by shaking a few goals out of the envelope on the first day. Pick up one strip and hold it in your hands. As you read the goal, notice how it makes you feel. Does it spark excitement or overwhelm?
Decide if the goal stays in the envelope as a potential candidate or if it's something to let go of for now. Remember, when you set a goal aside, you're not saying never, you're just saying not now.
As you step into this new year, remember that it's not about being perfect or doing everything at once; it's about progress, intention, and joy. Whether you're embracing a Word of the Year, narrowing your focus with "Cut It Out," or simply reflecting on what matters most, you get to decide what your fresh start looks like, and there's no right or wrong way to approach it. So let go of the pressure to get it all "right" and lean into what feels meaningful and authentic to you. This is your year. Make it one you'll look back on with pride.
At BaseCamp, we believe that every cyclist has the potential to achieve greatness, no matter where they start. Our mission is to create a community-driven training environment where cyclists and triathletes of all levels can train together, support each other, and grow stronger, faster, and more confident in their abilities. Our cycling training programs are expert driven and tailored to your needs. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, BaseCamp is where you belong.
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