Why My Mental Health Means I Don't Make New Year's Resolutions

Each December, I find myself being asked what my New Year’s resolutions are, but the answer remains the same. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I have absolutely nothing against them; I actually think they can be great motivation for some people. Unfortunately, I am not one of those people. If you’re anything like me and have struggled with expectations, you may understand where I’m coming from.

1. I make life adjustments all year.

Being an individual who struggles with their mental health, it simply isn’t practical to wait until the new year to make a change. Life happens, and when you’re in these shoes, a quick response is necessary. The amount of exercise I get, what I eat or how social I am, is adjusted depending on anything from medication to the weather.

2. I tend to get overwhelmed.

I love seeing the lists of resolutions friends have created, but mine would be rather short in comparison. I have a tough time saying “no” as it is, and one resolution could quickly turn into five. This is often when I get hurt, when I “crash.” I will work myself to the point of exhaustion in the attempt to make sure resolutions get met.

3. I am really hard on myself.

If I were to “fall off” or even choose to no longer stick to my resolution, I would consider myself a failure. A failure that stems from an expectation I voluntarily set on myself is one more failure than I need. I have absolutely no problem giving any other individual grace, but I simply can’t find any for myself.

Don’t worry. I still have hope for the new year. I hope you do too. Cheers.

Photo by Jerry Kiesewetter on Unsplash