Sticking With the Plan: The Art of Reinvention & New Year's Resolutions

Why It Matters to Go Into the New Year as the Best Version of Yourself

by Ava Willoughby ★ January 12th, 2026

Photo credit: Ava Willoughby

“I’m going to go to the gym more this year,” or “I’m going to get better grades this year,” are phrases that seem to appear every January 1. These promises are usually made with genuine motivation and hope for self-improvement. However, the reality is that the next 365 days are unlikely to unfold exactly as planned, and that does not mean those goals were unrealistic or unimportant. Progress is rarely linear, and meaningful change does not require perfection. What matters most is learning how to approach goals with intention and consistency, even when motivation fades.

Moving Through the New Year with Intention

At the beginning of the year, many people experience a sudden desire to completely reinvent themselves. There is often pressure to change routines, habits, and even personal identities all at once. As time goes on, that initial burst of motivation can slowly disappear, making those goals feel overwhelming or unattainable. This is why it is more effective to view the new year as a fresh start rather than an opportunity to become someone entirely new.

Setting resolutions with intention means focusing on achievable actions that lead to meaningful outcomes. Instead of making drastic changes, starting with small, manageable steps allows progress to feel realistic and sustainable. In most cases, the best version of yourself is not a brand-new person, but rather the current version of you with small changes that positively impact your lifestyle. By committing to these smaller goals and staying consistent, it becomes easier to build habits that last and gradually work toward long-term growth.

Out with the Old, in With the New

Entering a new year often brings change, and sometimes that change means letting go. Friend groups may shift, interests may evolve, and academic or career paths may no longer feel aligned with who you are becoming. While this can feel uncomfortable, outgrowing certain aspects of your life is a natural part of personal development.

Letting go also means releasing expectations—both the ones you place on yourself and the ones others place on you. Growth does not always look like constant improvement; sometimes it looks like choosing a different direction. Moving forward with intention means allowing yourself the space to evolve without guilt and trusting that change is a sign of self-awareness rather than failure.

Falling off the Plan: and Getting Back on it

No matter how intentional your goals are, setbacks are inevitable. It is easy to become discouraged after missing a workout, falling behind in school, or losing motivation. Many people quit their goals altogether after minor disruptions, believing that inconsistency equals failure. In reality, consistency is not about being perfect, but about continuing even after setbacks.

Being intentional means recognizing when things do not go as planned and choosing to get back on track anyway. Progress is built through persistence, not through flawless execution. Allowing yourself grace while still holding yourself accountable makes it easier to maintain long-term habits and continue working toward your goals.

Conclusion

The new year is not about completely changing who you are, but about growing into yourself with purpose and patience. By setting realistic goals, embracing change, and allowing room for mistakes, you create an environment where progress feels possible and sustainable. Intention, consistency, and self-compassion are what truly carry you through the year, long after the excitement of January fades.

Edited by: Maia Simmons