My New Year's Resolution/Theme for 2026
I don't set traditional new year's resolutions, as I've found that my personality turns them into something to rebel against. ("Eat healthy" morphs into "Screw you, predatory diet culture!") Instead I set yearly themes, which have run the gamut from "Strength and Fortitude," (the names of NYC's library lions!) to "Read and Write." Last year? It was "Fuck the Patriarchy." Kind of proud of that one and I don't mean to brag, but I nailed it.
What's this year's theme?
Hold Myself to a Slightly Higher Standard.
Not asking perfection of myself, as the pursuit of such is doomed to failure -- instead it's a "slightly" higher standard. I'm actually pretty content with who I am and how I live my life. I'm on top of my adult responsibilities, I nourish my important friendships, I'm ridiculously on top of my finances, I spend my waking hours wisely and I just completed my bingo card of yearly health care appointments. (Annual physical, mammogram, colonoscopy, dermatologist and endocrinologist.) So . . . clean bill of health!
However, everyone can do slightly better. I can spend a little less time in front of the TV, I can walk instead of drive for some of my shorter errands, I can grab a library book instead of scrolling Instagram. Sometimes, not always. Expecting 100% compliance is not realistic and pushes the "Why even bother?!" button in my brain.
Do slightly better.
Slightly.
It's attainable and unlike so many standard new year's resolutions is not based in societal misogyny. I'm pretty damned great, but maybe I can level up my life the teensiest amount.
What do you think, does this resonate with you? Are you setting a new year's resolution that you're comfortable sharing? Either way . . . happy new year, you're amazing the way you are!
I think I need a word for the year and it's "Push". I want to push more to work for social justice and for those in need. I am not unhappy with my life but I think I could do more for others that are less fortunate.
An excellent word/theme/resolution for sure!
Katy, I like how you think! This resonates with me because it's realistic, responsible and reachable. If you by chance happen to do something more than slightly better, you can give yourself extra credit if you choose.
In 2026, I resolve to do more for others in both time and money.
Doing more for others is an excellent goal, thank you for sharing!
Like you, I do better with themes. (I have an oppositional streak, I guess.)
One thing I’m doing is deleting my Fetch app, because it doesn’t work for me. All my receipts get me exactly 25 points. Eating Whole Foods doesn’t pay. I’ve put in a big effort to find and scan other people’s receipts, but they eat Whole Foods as well, so I give up. I’ve played the games to earn points, but then I spend WAY too much time playing silly games. It’s just not worth it to me!
In addition to my usual “be healthier” theme, I’m also focusing on my mental wellness. I’ve decided to go “gray rock” with my snobbish sister-in-law. It’s exhausting to be around someone who is constantly sending little signals that they’ve won at life. Here’s the thing: her definition of “winning” (conspicuous consumption of status stuff) is different than my definition. I’m not going to change her. For this reason, I will make an effort to avoid engaging with her unless it is necessary. I’ll stick with topics like the weather. (Maybe she’ll tell me that the sun shines brighter on her house. Haha.)
I hope it will be a good year for everyone!
I really like new years and the feeling of a fresh start even though I never make New Year’s resolutions so not sure why I like that fresh start feeling so much!
I make changes as they occur to me, I made some pretty significant changes throughout the last year, including transition to a whole food plant based diet, giving up alcohol and adding in regular strength training (have always been good about doing cardio but never did strength training). The changes have been very positive, I feel the best I ever have, so I guess for 2026 my goal is to keep on keepin’ on.