If I had a dollar for every post I saw on social media the past two weeks that included some iteration of the phrase “New Year, New Me”, I would be a very rich man. We are bombarded by ad campaign after ad campaign from companies trying to sell us products to supposedly help us be new versions of ourselves in the new year. The idea is pervasive, to say the least!
The idea that turning the calendar’s page lays the groundwork for a blank-slate new version of ourselves is unrealistic and unhealthy. It fails to acknowledge all that we’ve been through as individuals and as a community; it fails to acknowledge our built-in strengths and weaknesses; and it fails to acknowledge what kind of support systems we each have.
Let’s be more honest with yourselves. There’s no new you. There’s no new me. It may be 2026 now, but it’s the same old us – and that’s okay. We cannot just Instagram-filter ourselves into feeling better or making better choices. Being ourselves is not a bad thing, and seeking our own replacement can get toxic fast!
Instead of setting lofty, unrealistic goals for this “new you” you think you may be now, I propose a different approach: let’s lean into better understanding ourselves. Let’s lean into better understanding our past heartaches and our current stressors. Let’s lean into empowering our positive coping skills, and reducing our negative coping skills.
Improving ourselves takes a lot of hard work, discipline, self-awareness, honesty, and uncomfortable vulnerability. A much more realistic goal for us to set for the new year is to simply “take one step in a healthier direction.”
Make that phone call to your local counseling practice to process the hard stuff with a helpful therapist. Text that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Go for that walk after dinner before winding down for the evening. Trade that beer for water instead this month. Take one step in a healthier direction.
If you or someone you know needs help setting and achieving healthier, more realistic goals, The Willow Center team is here for you and ready to help. Give us a call at 317-852-3690.
Written by Chase Cotten, Community Director
