I Like New Year's Resolutions

Hello, friends!

This week’s edition of Things I Like is about New Year’s resolutions—yes, even in mid-January. By now, the initial excitement of the new year might be fading, and for many, resolutions are already feeling like a distant memory. That’s okay. Whether you’re a “new year, new you!” enthusiast or a resolution skeptic, this time of year offers an opportunity for something deeper: reflection on where you’ve been and intention for where you’re going.

It’s Never Too Late to Start

One of the myths about New Year’s resolutions is that you need to have them all figured out by January 1st. The truth is, reflection and growth don’t run on a calendar. Mid-January can be the perfect time to pause and reassess. The rush of the holidays is over, and the year ahead feels a little more grounded. This is a great moment to ask yourself: What do I want more of in my life? What do I want less of?

Using the SPIRE Model for Reflection and Growth

To guide these questions, I like to use the SPIRE model, which focuses on five dimensions of well-being:

Spiritual: Are you connected to a sense of purpose or meaning in your life?

Physical: How are you caring for your body through rest, movement, and nourishment?

Intellectual: Are you engaging in activities that challenge and inspire you?

Relational: How strong and fulfilling are your connections with others?

Emotional: Are you cultivating resilience and emotional balance?

Instead of setting sweeping resolutions, SPIRE encourages small, intentional changes across these areas. It’s a framework that helps you focus on the big picture without feeling overwhelmed.

Mid-January Check-In

Here’s how you can use SPIRE right now:

1. Reflect on the Past Year: What moved the needle up or down in each SPIRE category last year? Did a new hobby boost your intellectual well-being? Did burnout lower your emotional resilience?

2. Set Intentions for This Year: What small shifts could you make to improve your well-being? Maybe it’s going for a daily walk, reaching out to a friend once a week, or setting boundaries with your time.

3. Start Where You Are: Forget the January 1st pressure. A mid-January intention is just as meaningful—and likely more grounded in reality.

Beyond Resolutions

I think part of the reason resolutions get a bad rap is that they’re often framed as grand declarations of change. But meaningful growth doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from consistency and grace. Whether your goal is to move more, connect deeper, or simply take a little more time for yourself, the most important thing is to start.

Conclusion

The new year is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a season of reflection and possibility, and that doesn’t stop in January. By using the SPIRE model, you can take a holistic approach to growth that’s realistic and sustainable. Thanks for joining me this week in Things I Like. Until next time, remember: know yourself, love yourself, and don’t be afraid to start fresh—even if it’s mid-January.