Summary: Ah, the New Year. The time when we all gather ‘round and try to figure out how we will turn into superheroes overnight. You know, with those resolutions that promise to transform us into versions of ourselves that could probably bench-press a car and perform ballet in our sleep. But here’s a thought: what if 2025 could be about creating the best version of YOU, not through restrictive goals or unattainable fitness routines, but by embracing all the quirks and awesomeness that already exist inside you?
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
I vow to end this year without making any New Year’s Resolutions.
Well, sort of!
Like many others, I still need to exercise more and lose those impossible extra ten pounds.
I also must be kinder to my direct reports, especially Dan who drive me bonkers.
I can keep the goodwill going until the middle of January. That is when research says it is so easy to go back to old ways.
Please suggest a new way to look at “starting over.”
I love your work about transforming outdated behavior patterns.
Please offer some ideas on how to, as you say, “keep going and keep growing.”
Signed,
Gardener of Possibilities
Dear Gardener of Possibilities,
Firstly, what a great way to view yourself.
Planting, weeding, watering, and caring about all possible things in your life.
Her are some ways to think about vows and resolutions to start the year.
No more saying you will do something you know will blow away in the wind.
No, seriously. What if the idea was less about changing and more about celebrating the journey?
Let’s make vows that honor who we are, support our growth, and embrace life’s little imperfections. After all, it’s the oddities, passions, and personal moments that make us us.
1. I Vow to Embrace Imperfect Progress
Let’s be real—progress isn’t linear. Some days you’re climbing mountains, and other days you’re eating chocolate cake for breakfast because you just couldn’t deal with life. But here’s the secret: that’s still progress. You’re showing up, trying, and learning. In 2025, I vow to honor my steps forward, whether they’re big leaps or baby steps. And if I slip, I’ll let myself fall, because a graceful tumble sometimes teaches you more than a perfect jump.
2. I Vow to Seek Joy in the Little Things
2025 will be the year of spontaneous dance breaks and impromptu hugs from friends. The year of finding joy in unexpected moments—like when your coffee is the perfect temperature, or when the sunlight hits the trees in a way that makes you feel like you’re in a music video. I vow to be present in these moments, not waiting for the “big win” to feel alive, but noticing the quiet victories in between.
3. I Vow to Pursue Curiosity, Not Perfection
What if 2025 isn’t about trying to be perfect, but rather about being curious? In the spirit of adventure, I vow to dive into new hobbies, interests, and experiences just because they fascinate me. I’m not aiming to be the world’s best baker or an expert in a new language—I’m just going to enjoy the process of learning. After all, what’s life without curiosity? Let’s get messy, try new things, and see where it takes us.
4. I Vow to Make Space for Laughter (Even When It’s Weird)
Laughter is magical. It lightens the heaviest hearts and connects us to one another in ways that words can’t. This year, I promise to find humor even in the toughest situations. I’ll crack jokes when things feel serious, embrace a goofy laugh when it seems out of place, and laugh at myself because, honestly, life is a bit absurd sometimes. There’s no reason we can’t embrace the silliness, even as we handle our grown-up responsibilities.
5. I Vow to Be a Kindness Collector
In 2025, I’m setting out to gather kindness the way some people collect stamps or postcards. I’ll offer kind words to strangers, send handwritten notes to friends, and check in on those who might be feeling invisible. I vow to remember that kindness doesn’t always have to be grand—sometimes it’s as simple as sharing your last cookie or holding the door open for someone when you’re in a hurry. Let’s collect kindness, pass it around, and watch how it multiplies.
6. I Vow to Keep My Boundaries as Sacred as My Wi-Fi Password
Boundaries. They’re not just a “self-care buzzword” they’re a cornerstone of personal well-being. In 2025, I vow to honor my limits, say “no” when I need to, and protect my energy like I protect my phone battery. That means turning off notifications when I’m working, stepping away from drama when it’s draining, and taking mental health days without feeling guilty. It’s not selfish—it’s essential. Boundaries are my lifeline to feeling whole and grounded.
7. I Vow to Let Go of the Guilt That Weighs Me Down
Let’s get real: we’re all pretty good at feeling guilty. Guilty for not working hard enough, guilty for not doing more, guilty for taking a nap when we “should” be doing something productive. In 2025, I vow to release guilt. I’m going to stop beating myself up for things that are out of my control and trust that I’m doing the best I can. Self-compassion, not self-criticism, will be my new mantra. Guilt has no place in my 2025 story.
8. I Vow to Make Time for Daydreams
We often dismiss daydreaming as “wasting time,” but those meandering thoughts can be a playground for creativity and self-discovery. In 2025, I vow to give my mind space to wander without judgment. I’ll let myself drift into my imagination, sketch ideas I’ve never shared with anyone, and dream up wild possibilities for my life. Because sometimes the most important things come from those unplanned moments when our minds are allowed to roam free.
9. I Vow to Trust the Process and Be Patient
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the person you’re becoming. In 2025, I promise to be patient with myself. I’ll trust the journey, even when I can’t see the end. I’ll celebrate the small wins without needing to have everything figured out, and I’ll remind myself that growth takes time. It’s not about rushing to the finish line; it’s about savoring each twist and turn of the road.
10. I Vow to Love Myself Fiercely
Lastly, I vow to be my own biggest cheerleader. That means I’ll love myself, flaws and all, in ways I’ve never done before. I’ll embrace my quirks, my awkwardness, and my vulnerability. I’ll celebrate my achievements—no matter how small they may seem—and I’ll speak to myself with the kindness I would offer to my dearest friend. In 2025, I’m choosing to be my own hero, because I’ve been through enough to know that I’m worth it.
Change Perfection to Being “Perfectly Imperfect”
In conclusion, here’s to 2025, a year filled with promises that will stretch, challenge, and empower us—not by demanding perfection but by embracing the best parts of who we already are. Instead of resolutions based on changing ourselves, let’s make vows about growth, celebration, and self-compassion. When we start loving ourselves fully, we’re already well on our way to becoming the best versions of who we were always meant to be.
Happy New Year, everyone. Let’s make it a positive year to remember.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS. Want a free copy of “Invisible Stress: It’s NOT What YOU Think.” Please send me an email and it’s yours.
