Dear Equilibrium Reader,
Whether you’re a Mentor or a Mentee, the pressure to set resolutions after the New Year can be overwhelming for all of us. Crowded gyms, the surge in diet trends, and the overly heard phrase of “I don’t want to stress as much this year” are just a few ways this phenomenon plays out. But have you ever considered its impact on your mental health?
At Equilibrium, we believe in the power of consistent growth and self-improvement. Striving to become a better version of ourselves every day is essential for a fulfilling life. However, setting goals—particularly after the New Year—can sometimes have the opposite effect, leaving us feeling inadequate, unproductive, and overly critical. That’s why we’ve compiled some tips and reflective questions to help you determine whether setting New Year’s goals is right for you, and whether your goals are genuinely uplifting and beneficial.
To begin, think about your current or past New Year’s resolutions and reflect on these questions:
- Do I truly want to set this goal? Why?
Am I doing it to please others or prove my worth? Does this goal arise from societal pressure, or is it something I genuinely want to achieve? - Who am I comparing myself to?
Am I focusing on my personal progress, or am I measuring success through external validation? - Is my goal achievable and realistic?
Am I framing this goal with kindness and respect for myself, or am I setting unattainable expectations in an unreasonably short time? How can I reframe this goal to reflect greater self-compassion?
Looking at these questions, does this change the way you approach New Year’s resolutions? Do you participate in this tradition at all? Why or why not?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your responses under this LinkedIn post so we can learn from each other’s perspectives on this topic.
Until next time,
Your EQ Team