Ditch Resolutions - Why you Need a New Year's Statement

Every New Year, we’re bombarded with resolutions: lose weight, work less, quit smoking. Yet, how many of us actually stick to them? Years ago, I decided to ditch resolutions for something far more powerful—a New Year’s Statement. This simple shift has transformed not just my years but my entire approach to life and business.

Let me take you back to where it all started.

Why Resolutions Don’t Work

Resolutions fail because they’re too specific and rigid. They demand perfection, leaving no room for life’s inevitable twists and turns. Miss one day at the gym, and suddenly, the whole resolution feels pointless.

What if instead of setting ourselves up for failure, we chose something broader and more empowering? That’s what my friend Terri and I did when we created our first New Year’s Statements many years ago while living in New Zealand.

We wanted something flexible yet meaningful—a guiding principle that could apply to different aspects of our lives. I chose “Be Positive,” while Terri went with “Be Brave.”

These statements became our touchstones. When I faced challenges at work—heading up the high-pressure L’Oreal account—I’d ask myself, “Is this helping me stay positive?” If not, I’d adjust. Terri used her statement to build the courage she needed to pursue life abroad.

That year taught me something profound: a New Year’s Statement isn’t just a goal. It’s a compass.

2024: Go MÓR and the Lessons Learned

Fast forward to 2024, and my New Year’s Statement was inspired by the Irish word “mór,” meaning BIG. I chose “Go MÓR for 24” as my theme—to be more visible, grow my revenue, and embrace bigger opportunities.

But early on, I hit a snag. By February, I realized I was pushing too hard and not slowing down when I needed to. Despite this, I pressed forward, spreading myself thin. By March, one of my launches flopped. I was burnt out and drained. That failure forced me to pause and reflect.

I realized that going big didn’t mean doing more. It meant doing what mattered. To realign, I began working with a soul alignment coach, Anita Marshall. Through her guidance, I uncovered what truly mattered to me: working with clients I love, focusing on offers that energize me, and building a business that supports the life I want to live.

By year-end, my peers were telling me, “Elaine, you’re everywhere!” Visibility? Achieved. Revenue? Not quite where I wanted it, but the lessons I learned were invaluable. I simplified my business, reconnected with my purpose, and gained clarity for the future.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and "The Vibe"

As I step into 2025, my focus is clear: simplicity and intuition. My New Year’s Statement is “It’s All About the Vibe.”

This year, I’ll ask myself the same question I pose to my clients: “How do you feel?” Whether it’s a business decision, a personal goal, or simply planning my day, my guiding principle will be to lean into what feels right.

For me, 2025 is about doing more of what brings me joy: sea swimming, dance classes, gigs, speaking engagements, and training businesses. It’s about creating a business that doesn’t rely on me 24/7 and aligns with my values.

Crafting Your Own New Year’s Statement

Are you ready to create a guiding theme for your year? Here’s how you can craft your own New Year’s Statement:

1. Choose a Theme: Pick a word or phrase that resonates deeply with you. It could be “Be Bold,” “Stay Balanced,” or “The Vibe.”

2. Write It Down: Display it where you’ll see it daily—on your desk, your phone background, or a sticky note.

3. Apply It Broadly: Think about how your statement applies across all areas of your life: work, relationships, health, and personal growth.

4. Check In Regularly: Reflect on your progress. Is your statement guiding you? If not, adjust.

5. Measure Its Impact: Look for tangible and intangible results. Are you happier, calmer, more successful?

Let’s Make 2025 the Year That Matters

This year, let’s ditch fleeting resolutions and craft a New Year’s Statement that empowers us. What will your guiding theme be for 2025? I’d love to hear your ideas—drop me a line at [email protected]   and let’s create the year you deserve!