Well, it’s that time of the year again. Christmas trees are out, hot cocoa abounds, and neighborhoods have transformed into a winter wonderland of whimsical lights and decorations.
After the winter festivities are over, 2026 will be here. There has been a long-standing tradition of creating goals for the new year to become better versions of ourselves. While a lot of these resolutions are well-intentioned, most end up with a lot of unused gym memberships shortly after January.
So, here are four recommendations for resolutions for this New Year’s that you can implement without spending a dime or making an intense commitment.
1. Add ‘No’ to your vocabulary
Alright, I might be projecting a little with this one. This may sound easy, but it is easy to forget. Whether it’s with friends, family, or even ourselves, saying no can sometimes not feel possible.
It can be hard to know where to draw the line between simply being polite and forfeiting ourselves. It is considerate to help others, and there is nothing wrong with going out of your way occasionally to assist. However, consistently taking on tasks outside of your responsibilities can erode boundaries (and possibly allow people to take advantage of you).
So the next time a co-worker emails you about a responsibility outside your pay grade, or a relative extending an invitation to an event you know you will not feel comfortable at, always remember that ‘no’ is an option.
2. Sorry, not sorry: stop apologizing for everything
I might be beating a dead horse with my last resolution, but it stands true, nonetheless. Undoubtedly, apologizing is a necessary form of communication and instrumental for taking accountability. Less necessary, however, is the need to do it constantly.
I have found myself being guilty of this compulsion and frequently apologizing for things that are not my fault. Just the other day, I was ordering a cup of coffee, and when someone bumped into me, I apologized. I hadn’t even processed the situation before feeling like I had to apologize.
In “Sorry, Not Sorry, but We Might Be Apologizing Too Much”, Dr. Greg Chasson refers to this phenomenon as the ‘anxious sorry’. Dr. Chasson explains that the ‘anxious sorry’ can be a result of Safety Behaviors (short-term relief techniques to calm anxiety). Safety Behaviors are not necessarily harmful, but can become problematic when carried out as a short-term coping strategy to anxious situations.
It might take a while, but hesitate before you utter the S word next time.
3. Put the SELF in Self-care
Alright, depending on your schedule, this can be more difficult to achieve. However, everyone can find some form of self-care, regardless of the time involved. You have to remember that there are many priorities in life, and you have to make yourself one.
While self-care has become more accepted over the years, much of the social media coverage tends to focus on self-grooming services like painting nails, tanning, and similar activities. There’s nothing wrong with these activities; I do them too, but sometimes putting too much effort into them makes me feel more exhausted. Dedicating time to something that is just for me helps me feel recharged. I recommend a nice bubble bath or even a Netflix binge.
Remember, you can start anywhere with self-care! No excuses!
4. Call Yourself Pretty
Yes, I said it.
This may be a biased opinion from a Leo, but it has always bothered me how being confident is considered socially unacceptable. Some might call it vanity, but I believe that true vanity is completely neglecting others’ needs. Self-love, on the other hand, allows you to become and appreciate the best version of yourself, for the people around you.
Culture of “self-love” until someone actually does, and everyone suddenly feels the need to “humble” others.
Whether it starts with daily affirmations and evolves into saying those magic words aloud, this year you should try to verbalize your worth until you finally begin to appreciate that special person in the mirror.
New Year’s resolutions don’t have the best reputation for longevity and sustainability. However, I’m hoping these might be a little easier to maintain and, most importantly, increase your self-worth.
Now, I obviously can’t force you to practice any of these, and I understand that consistency is part of why New Year’s resolutions are considered so unsuccessful. If you really want to dedicate yourself to these, I recommend setting calendar reminders throughout the year.
Happy Holidays, and I hope that these ideas will help you feel emboldened as you welcome 2026!