As the first month of the year rolls in, I find myself surrounded by a whirlwind of positivity and resolutions.
Social media is bursting with “New Year, New Me” energy, the gym car parks are suddenly full, and conversations often end with, “What’s your goal for the year?”. While I admire their enthusiasm, I can’t help but feel a slight disconnect. After a Christmas full of magic, chaos, and late nights with my two little ones, January feels less like a time to set ambitious goals and more like a time to breathe.
Our Christmas was everything I hoped it would be. With a 4 and a 7-year-old, the wonder of the season was magical. But as lovely as it was, the holiday period was also a rollercoaster of emotions, overstimulation, and a fair bit of overindulgence (for all of us!). By the time the decorations came down, I was ready to get back to our normal routine.
The thing is, that routine is enough of a goal for me right now. I work during school hours and reduce my hours in the holidays (a contract that’s still rare outside the education sector, but it shouldn’t be… that’s another story for another day!). This flexibility means I can maintain a professional career while being present for my children. It’s something I’m deeply grateful for. But let’s be real: even with flexibility, January is hard. It’s dark, it’s cold, and we’re all running on post-holiday fumes.
So, when people ask about my goals for the year, my honest response is: I don’t know. Right now, getting back into a routine feels like an achievement in itself. I’m not dismissing the importance of goal setting – in fact, it’s something I value both personally and professionally. But do we really need to pile on that pressure straight after the most emotionally charged time of the year?
There’s a misconception that January is the only time to plan for the year ahead, but the truth is, goal setting is most effective when it’s thoughtful and realistic. Taking time to adjust, recharge, and settle back into life can actually make those goals more attainable. For me, I need to wait until my energy is more stable, and I’ve had time to reflect on what I really want to focus on, before making big plans.
Personally, for now, I’ll be balancing work and family life, while trying to carve out a little time for myself – even if it’s just a quiet walk on the beach after school drop-off. It’s not flashy or Instagram-worthy, but meaningful to me.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to declare your “2025 mission statement”, I’m here to tell you it’s okay to take your time. Sometimes, just getting through January with a sense of stability is enough. The goals can come when you’re ready. After all, the year isn’t a sprint – it’s a marathon. And there’s plenty of time to decide how to run it.
Here’s to a year of balance, flexibility, and living life on our own timelines. And maybe a bit more sunshine… soon, please!