Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day: Reality with a Side of Humour

🎉 As we saunter into January and the New Year gets a wee bit older, I have an important date for you to keep in mind—Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day on January 17th! Yes, such a day exists, and it’s time for a hearty celebration of imperfection, honesty, and a sprinkling of humour as we acknowledge that many of us have already tossed our resolutions out the window like last week’s leftovers.

Let’s face it: when the clock struck midnight on December 31st, we were all filled with ambitious visions of becoming superhuman versions of ourselves. “This is the year I’ll run a marathon!” “I’ll finally master the art of sourdough!” “I’ll eat only kale and quinoa!” And here we are, just weeks later, realizing that a Netflix marathon with a side of pizza sounds much more achievable than that 26.2 miles we had in mind.

The Great Resolution Drop-off

Statistically speaking, around 80% of New Year’s resolutions are abandoned by mid-February. That’s right—most of us revert to our old habits quicker than you can say “gym membership.” This day is a lighthearted acknowledgement of our shared struggles, the ambitious goals we set, and the reality that sometimes—just sometimes—life becomes a bit too real.

So why do we set these lofty goals in the first place? Are we gluttons for punishment? Serial overachievers? Spoilers: it’s probably a bit of both. But the beauty of Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day lies in the acceptance of our human fallibility. Rather than cruelly chastising ourselves for missing the mark, let’s take a step back and laugh at the absurdity of those resolutions we had for ourselves.

Reflecting with a Side of Humor

On this festive day of ditching resolutions, let’s reflect on some of the more humorous resolutions people often make:

• “I’ll read at least one book a week!” — Cue the Netflix binge!
• “I’ll quit sugar entirely!” — Three days in, and it’s back to chocolate bliss.
• “I’ll wake up at 5 AM to meditate!” — Snooze button, anyone?

The pressure to achieve these resolutions can be stifling, leading to feelings of failure when they crumple like an old piece of paper. But what if we turned that pressure into something a bit lighter? After all, progress is a journey, not a sprint to the finish line.

Shifting Toward Flexible Goals

Instead of clinging to the remnants of those resolutions, let’s embrace a more flexible and sustainable approach to personal growth. Here are a few ideas to consider on Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day:

1. Set Intentions Over Resolutions: Instead of rigid goals, focus on intentions. Want to eat healthier? How about aiming to just try one new vegetable each week? That way, you’re creating a positive habit without the pressure!
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Did you manage to get off the couch and take a walk around the block? Celebrate it! Every little effort adds up and deserves recognition.
3. Revisit and Revise: If you’re dead set on a resolution but struggling to keep it, don’t be afraid to tweak it. Perhaps running a marathon isn’t feasible right now, but why not aim for a simple jog around the park instead?
4. Engage with Friends: Share your thoughts about resolutions with friends. Create a support system where you can laugh about the goals you’ve left behind while encouraging one another to pursue more flexible pathways.
5. Embrace Rest and Relaxation: Sometimes the best resolution is simply to slow down and enjoy life’s little pleasures. Try taking “me time” to recharge instead of pressuring yourself to achieve the unattainable!

A Toast to Imperfection

So, let’s raise a glass—be it sparkling water, herbal tea, or something a little more celebratory—to Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day! Embrace the fact that life is messy, that plans change, and that it’s perfectly okay to let go of what no longer serves you.

Instead of beating ourselves up for our “failures,” let’s laugh at the absurdity of perfection. Celebrate the idea that we are all on this journey together, striving for growth in ways that work for us.

Ultimately, the new year is not just about resolutions; it’s about resilience, laughter, and learning. So take a deep breath, ditch those burdensome goals, and create a fresh start that feels right for you. Here’s to a fabulous year—full of fun, authenticity, and, perfectly imperfect resolutions! 🎉🥳✨

Dominus Owen Markham