Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, I’m Choosing a Direction

Every January, there’s a pressure to reinvent yourself.

New habits.
New routines.
A cleaner, calmer, more “together” version of you.

And look — I like growth. I like reflection. I really like a good fresh-start feeling.

But I’ve learned something about myself:

The moment my goals start sounding like rules,
I stop enjoying them.

And when I stop enjoying them?
I either rebel… or burn out.

So this year, I’m not doing strict resolutions.
I’m choosing a direction.

Not a checklist.
Not a streak.
Just a general way I want my life to lean.

The Direction I’m Aiming For

This year, I want to move toward what feels good — not in a reckless way, but in a listening way.

That looks like:

More time with people who make me feel like myself.
The ones I don’t perform for.
The ones I laugh easier around.
The ones I leave feeling grounded instead of drained.

Eating healthier — without turning food into a morality test.
More meals that actually fuel me.
More awareness of how food makes me feel.
And also…
yes — getting the milkshake sometimes.
Because joy is not a dietary failure.

Being on my phone less.
Not because phones are evil —
but because I don’t want my life to be something I scroll past.
I want more moments I’m in,
not just documenting
or distracting myself from.

None of these are rules.
They’re nudges.

Why Direction Works Better Than Resolutions

Resolutions tend to ask:

“Did you do it perfectly?”

Direction asks:

“Are you generally heading the way you want to go?”

If I eat well most days but get ice cream with a friend —
that still counts.

If I catch myself scrolling and put the phone down —
that counts.

If I choose connection over productivity once in a while —
that really counts.

A direction leaves room for being human.

How This Shows Up in Real Life

I’m not aiming for a perfectly balanced year.
I’m aiming for a year where I notice how I feel more often.

Where I ask myself:

• “Do I want to be doing this right now?”

• “Who do I want to share this with?”

• “Is this helping — or just filling space?”

Sometimes the answer will be:

This is good.

Sometimes:

This can wait.

And sometimes:

Yes. Absolutely. Get the milkshake.

A Small Invitation (No Pressure)

If you want to try this instead of resolutions, ask yourself:

“What do I want more of this year — and what do I want a little less of?”

Not forever.
Not perfectly.
Just… more and less.

You can write it down.
Or don’t.
You’re allowed to adjust as you go.

Final Line

I’m heading into this year aiming for good people, decent food, fewer scrolls, and a little more ease.

No big promises.
Just a direction.

See you next week.