By Amina Ali

If you’re anything like me, the new year season is often filled with dread. Suddenly after the post-Christmas coma, everyone seems to spring up to become the best version of themselves.

Everyone’s asking about resolutions, joining gyms, clearing the supermarkets of all the fresh fruit and veg. Sometimes, it can feel like you should be doing the same thing.

It’s a lot on one person’s plate, especially with social media pushing picture perfect lives in our faces.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the new year and all its possibilities, I’m here to tell you that it’s okay.

You are not alone.

An American research team found that 62% of the American population feel pressured to make resolutions. In fact, only 9% of goal-setters complete their resolutions. Those that don’t admit to dropping them in the first month of a new year.

According to the verywell Mind website this can mainly be down to either thinking too big or thinking change will come quickly.

Let me be the one to tell you, change is hard to implement regardless of what aspect of life you’re thinking of.

Motivation will deplete, money will be tight, or your mental health might decline. Life can kick you in the butt sometimes, and it can feel impossible to carry on.

But can I tell you a great thing?

You’ve got time.

Instead of going into 2025 with lists of resolutions and a ton of pressure, slow down. And if you are making any resolutions this year, then take it one task at a time.

For example, if you want to do a big declutter, break the task down into smaller chunks. This ensures that you can carry the resolution throughout the whole year.

Tackle the wardrobe one day. Next day, your dresser. Then your kitchen cabinets, etc.

The same thing can apply for any resolution.

Also, what I think many people forget is that resolutions don’t have to be the same ones as everyone else. They can also be tailored to you and your hobbies.

For example, I’m a massive bookworm. I love to read and find it frustrating when I don’t have time to do it.

So, in 2025, I plan on reading War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. To anyone else, this must seem like a boring idea. But to me, I find it exciting.

The almost 1000-page classic has been sitting on my shelf for months. It scares me, but I’m up for a challenge. Plus, I’d be able to brag about it once I’ve finished.

Maybe you love film and TV. Is there a popular series or film you haven’t watched yet? Why not try and watch it in the new year.

Are you a big coffee drinker? Maybe vow to try all the independent coffee shops in your area.

Your resolution doesn’t even have to cost anything. Maybe you can try starting a blog or write letters to your future self.

The possibilities are endless, but they don’t have to feel daunting.