Rethinking Resolutions: A Kinder Approach to Year-End Reflections
The end of the year often brings a rush of self-reflection, goal-setting, and resolutions. While the idea of a fresh start can feel exciting, it can also bring existential questions: Am I where I want to be? Am I living the life I imagined? Have I done enough? For many, this time of year is filled with self-criticism, overwhelm, and pressure to overhaul their lives overnight.
In this post, we’ll explore why traditional resolutions often backfire, how to reflect on the past year in a supportive way, and how to consider the year ahead without succumbing to unrealistic expectations. The goal? To cultivate self-compassion and clarity while moving into the new year with intention—not pressure.
Why Resolutions Fall Flat
Resolutions often come from a place of self-criticism rather than self-love (e.g., I need to lose weight, make more money, stop procrastinating). Instead of motivating us, they can feel punitive and overwhelming.
They tend to be rigid and all-or-nothing, leaving little room for the natural ebb and flow of life. When we inevitably stumble, it can lead to feelings of failure.
The "New Year, New You" mentality can feel dismissive of everything we’ve already accomplished or navigated in the past year.
A Kinder Way to Reflect on the Year Behind You
Instead of focusing on what you didn’t achieve, consider asking yourself these supportive questions:
What am I proud of from this past year? Even small wins or moments of resilience matter.
What challenged me, and what did I learn from those experiences?
How have I grown, even in ways I didn’t expect?
What brought me joy, connection, or peace this year?
Reflection doesn’t have to be about measuring up to arbitrary milestones. It’s about noticing how far you’ve come and offering yourself the grace to acknowledge both the hard and the beautiful moments.
Looking Ahead Without Overwhelm
Instead of rigid resolutions, try this approach to set intentions for the year ahead:
Choose Themes, Not Goals: Instead of specific outcomes, focus on themes like connection, curiosity, or balance. Themes offer flexibility while still giving you a guiding light.
Ask Supportive Questions:
What do I want to feel more of in my life this year?
What matters most to me right now? How can I prioritize that?
What’s one small change that could bring more alignment to my life?
Focus on Tiny Steps: Big, sweeping changes can feel overwhelming. Instead, break down your intentions into small, manageable actions that feel achievable.
Celebrate Progress Over Perfection: Recognize that growth is a journey, not a destination. Small steps forward are just as meaningful as big leaps.
How Therapy Can Help
Year-end reflections often bring existential worries to the surface: Am I living the life I want? Who am I becoming? Am I doing enough? These questions can feel heavy, but they’re also an opportunity for exploration. Instead of letting these thoughts spiral into self-criticism or overwhelm, therapy can offer a space to process these feelings and gain clarity.
In therapy, you can explore:
Your Values and Priorities: What truly matters to you? How can you align your life more closely with your values?
Your Identity: Who are you beyond your accomplishments or failures? How have you grown this past year?
Your Next Steps: What small, intentional shifts can help you feel more connected to your goals, relationships, and sense of self?
Therapy provides a supportive, non-judgmental environment to work through these big questions, helping you approach the new year with compassion, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Start Your New Year with Online and In Person Therapy in Los Angeles, CA with Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy
You don’t have to navigate this on your own. At Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy, we offer individual therapy to help you process the past year with kindness, explore what truly matters to you, and set intentions for the year ahead in a way that feels supportive—not overwhelming.
Getting started is simple:
Contact Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy: Reach out to schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate therapists.
Meet with a Caring Therapist: Together, we’ll explore your reflections, goals, and challenges to create a path that feels aligned with your values.
Step Into the New Year with Clarity: Build tools to navigate existential questions, embrace growth, and move into the year ahead with greater intention and self-compassion.
This new year, give yourself the gift of care and clarity. Reach out today to start your therapy journey.
Other Services Offered with Highland Park Therapy
At Highland Park Therapy, we provide a wide range of mental health services through online therapy statewide in California as well as in-person at our Los Angeles, CA office. Other services we offer include depression treatment, teen therapy, grief counseling, stress management therapy, and trauma therapy. We also offer IFS, EMDR, and counseling for HSPs/empaths. You can also read more by visiting our blog, FAQ, about us, or groups page.