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The New Year Doesn’t Need Your Resolution

Here’s how to use the “Fresh Start Effect” any day in 2022

By Roman on Adobe Stock Images

2022 won’t be getting a New Year’s resolution from me.

In fact, I’ve never made a commitment of any kind on the final night of December. I’m unconvinced by New Year’s Resolutions.

Productivity-life-hacking gurus, and even the US government, insist it’s good for you to make one.

But I find the more they insist, the more I just don’t want to.

Is there a better time to change your life, or are the gurus right? Is New Year’s the magic moment to transform yourself?

Time for reflection and gratitude — I can buy that.

Usually, I’m the type of person who spends a lot of time thinking about the future. Projecting forward. Imagining the good and bad things that might happen: worrying, dreaming, planning, wondering.

But on New Year’s Eve, I want to be in the moment.

I’m usually listening to music — a live band if pandemic restrictions allow it. I’m watching dandelion-shaped fireworks fill the sky to a soundtrack of cooing, whooping strangers. Soaking up the collective joy and hopefulness.

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Kelly Eden | Essayist | Writing Coach
Kelly Eden | Essayist | Writing Coach

Written by Kelly Eden | Essayist | Writing Coach

New Zealand-based essayist | @ Business Insider, Mamamia, Oh Reader, Thought Catalog, ScaryMommy and more. Say hi at https://becauseyouwrite.substack.com/

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