Setting Up New Year’s Resolutions That Improve Our Lives
Happy New Year, and welcome to the first newsletter of 2025!
The arrival of a new year feels like an auspicious moment, and it’s tempting to mark it with resolutions. But let’s be honest: traditional New Year’s resolutions are often designed to fail. That’s why I’ve come up with a more sustainable and meaningful way to celebrate the new year.
There’s a lot of pressure to make sweeping changes when the calendar flips to January 1. It seems like the perfect time to finally achieve that ideal body, become more disciplined, or transform into a whole new version of ourselves. But here’s the issue: we carry our old selves and old stories into the new year. Nothing new can truly grow from this space.
For example, if I went to bed on December 31 without ever stepping foot in a gym, why would I expect to wake up on January 1, grab my running shoes and commit to a two-hour workout? This kind of thinking sets us up for failure-and gym companies are more than happy to profit from our unrealistic expectations.
Real, lasting change starts with a mindset shift. It requires imagining the version of ourselves we want to become and aligning our thoughts and behaviours accordingly.
Introducing the “Perfect Day” Concept
One approach I love comes from Vishen Lakhiani who introduced the idea of a “perfect day” in a Mindvalley session last year. Here’s how it works:
“If you had a perfect day, what would that look like?
How would you start your day?
What time do you wake up?
Where are you?
What’s the first thing you do?
What does your workday look like?
How many hours do you work?
What kind of clients or projects are you working on?
Do you work alone or with a team?
What do you do in your free time?
How do you spend your evenings?
Do you have time for hobbies, family or relaxation?
How do you feel at the end of your day?
Are you energized?
Do you feel content?
Do you feel fulfilled?”
Dream big! A perfect life is simply the result of 365 perfect days.
Becoming the Person Who Lives Your Perfect Day
Once you’ve envisioned your perfect day, ask yourself: Who do I need to become to make this a reality?
Start small. If your perfect day includes meditating each morning, create a cozy and inviting meditation space. Find the right mat, blankets or cushions that make it a joy to sit and meditate.
If your vision includes walking in the morning, perhaps offer to walk an elderly neighbour’s dog. Not only will this get you moving, but it also adds an element of service to your routine, which can be deeply fulfilling.
Take each point of your perfect day and think about the small, actionable steps you can take to move closer to it.
Progress, Not Perfection
I can’t promise that by the end of 2025, you’ll be living your perfect day every day. But I can promise that if you commit to this practice, you’ll be in a very different place – physically, emotionally and mentally – than you are now.
And if today is already your perfect day, please reach out and share your secret.
Thank you for reading. With warmest wishes, Your WILDFIT coach.
