It’s that time of year again when ads and media bombard us with resolution-based messages.
Lose weight, join our gym, sober January, use these supplements.
While these practices aren’t wrong, the focus on doing these practices emphasizes unhealthy perfectionism.
Anti-New Year's resolutions are an alternative approach to traditional New Year's resolutions, emphasizing what not to do or letting go of self-imposed pressures for the year. Instead of setting ambitious goals that often focus on self-improvement, anti-resolutions reject the idea of "fixing" yourself and encourage self-acceptance, balance, and mindfulness. Anti-resolutions are set up to reduce stress, avoid setting yourself up for failure, and embrace a more compassionate, sustainable way of approaching the new year.
Anti-resolutions Themes
Here are a few common themes:
1. Letting Go of Perfectionism
Instead of setting lofty goals, resolve not to be so hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned.
2. Avoiding Unrealistic Expectations
Commit to avoiding goals that feel overwhelming or unattainable, focusing instead on realistic progress.
3. Embracing Self-Acceptance
Decide not to chase ideals that don't align with who you are. For example, don’t force yourself into trends or societal standards you don’t care about.
4. Rejecting Toxic Productivity
Promise not to fill your time with endless tasks and instead prioritize rest, play, and activities that genuinely bring joy.
5. Focusing on the Present
Commit to not obsessing over the future or setting rigid deadlines for success, choosing to live more in the moment.
Examples of Anti-Resolutions:
"I will not start another diet."
"I won’t compare myself to others on social media."
"I won’t say yes to things I don’t want to do."
"I will not pressure myself to have everything figured out."
Values-based Anti-resolutions
Values-based anti-resolutions focus on aligning your life with your core values while rejecting habits, behaviors, or pressures that go against them. Instead of making resolutions to "improve" yourself, you commit to letting go of actions or mindsets that conflict with what truly matters to you.
Here’s how they might look, tailored to common values:
1. Authenticity
Anti-Resolution: "I will not pretend to be someone I'm not to please others."
Value: Embrace your true self, even if it means saying no to societal expectations.
2. Simplicity
Anti-Resolution: "I will not overcommit my time or energy to things that don’t bring me peace."
Value: Prioritize simplicity and focus on what genuinely matters to you.
3. Growth
Anti-Resolution: "I will not compare my progress to others."
Value: Recognize that growth is personal and doesn't have to follow someone else's timeline.
4. Connection
Anti-Resolution: "I will not spend energy on relationships that drain me or are one-sided."
Value: Invest in meaningful, reciprocal relationships.
5. Kindness
Anti-Resolution: "I will not be unkind to myself when I make mistakes."
Value: Show compassion to yourself, as well as to others.
6. Health (Holistic)
Anti-Resolution: "I will not pursue health goals that prioritize aesthetics over well-being."
Value: Focus on feeling good, not conforming to external ideals.
7. Curiosity
Anti-Resolution: "I will not avoid exploring new things out of fear of failure."
Value: Embrace a mindset of learning and discovery without the pressure to excel.
8. Freedom
Anti-Resolution: "I will not let fear of judgment stop me from living my life."
Value: Live boldly and authentically without unnecessary constraints.
9. Joy
Anti-Resolution: "I will not push myself to work non-stop at the expense of doing things I love."
Value: Make room for play, creativity, and joy in daily life.
10. Integrity
Anti-Resolution: "I will not compromise my values for convenience or approval."
Value: Stay true to your principles, even when it’s challenging.
By focusing on anti-resolutions rooted in your values, you’re taking a stand against what detracts from your well-being and committing to a more intentional, fulfilling life.
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