By Helen Vanderburg
Co-owner of The ACADEMY Powered by Heavens
The beginning of a new year often brings a sense of renewal—a chance to start fresh and leave the past behind. It’s a time when many of us set ambitious resolutions. Yet, by February, most of us have already let them slip away. Why do so many resolutions fall short? Maybe it’s time to rethink how we approach them.
Resolutions often focus on what we want to change about ourselves—our habits, our bodies, or our lives. But instead of focusing on what’s wrong or needs fixing, why not think about what you can add to your life? By choosing to add something—whether it's a new habit, a new experience, or a new mindset—you’re framing the year in terms of abundance rather than scarcity. This simple shift in focus can make your goals feel more achievable and less stressful.
For instance, instead of resolving to 'lose 20 pounds' or 'stop eating junk food,' you might aim to 'add more fruits and vegetables to your meals each day.' This subtle shift in wording focuses on growth rather than deficiency, which can feel more empowering and sustainable.
Another common pitfall is setting too many resolutions at once. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you try to overhaul every aspect of your life at once. This year, try a simpler approach:
• Choose one area to focus on (e.g., health, career, relationships).
• Break your goal into smaller, manageable steps.
• Set intentions for the month rather than rigid, long-term goals.
By focusing on just one thing at a time, you’re more likely to maintain momentum and avoid burnout.
Creating a vision board can help clarify your goals and keep you motivated. Here's how to get started:
1. Reflect on your values—what’s truly important to you this year? Is it health, career growth, or personal development?
2. Gather images, words, or symbols that represent your goals and dreams. These can be cut from magazines, printed from the internet, or even handwritten.
3. Arrange them on a board, poster, or even on a simple piece of paper.
4. Place your vision board somewhere visible, like your desk or fridge, and add to it as your goals evolve.
As we embrace the new year, let’s shift away from rigid resolutions that focus on fixing what’s 'broken.' Instead, let’s set intentions that align with who we want to be and what we want to experience. When we approach the year with abundance, curiosity, and a focus on personal growth, we set ourselves up for lasting fulfillment. Here’s to a year of adding, growing, and being your best self!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
HELEN
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