Each year this thought comes back to haunt us as New Year, New You. We promise ourselves to do better this time. We won’t botch it or loose interest this time. It will be different. Think about it. If all this effort really worked, there would be fewer people starting this routine.
What’s in your plan? Better fitness, loose weight, improved relationships, no more procrastination, save more money… It’ll be great this time. Sweeping changes are hard to make. So here are some tips to help you.
The phrase “New Year, New You” captures both the hope and futility of personal reinvention. Every January, people set ambitious resolutions—getting fit, saving money, becoming more organized—believing that a fresh start will lead to lasting change. However, if radical transformation were truly effective, we wouldn’t feel the need to start over year after year. The problem isn’t a lack of willpower or better strategies; rather, it’s the very idea that we need to become a completely different person that often leads to failure.
Many people begin their resolutions with enthusiasm—buying running shoes, downloading apps, or making detailed plans—but quickly lose momentum. The daily effort required can feel monotonous or overwhelming, making it easy to delay action until a “better time.” In some cases, fear of failure causes procrastination disguised as preparation. Instead of starting a business, for example, one might endlessly research and plan, avoiding the risk of actually launching.
At the core of these struggles is the illusion of control. New Year’s resolutions often stem from a desire to feel in charge of our lives—our health, careers, and habits. Organizing plans and buying tools create a false sense of security. However, real change doesn’t come from perfect preparation; it requires stepping into uncertainty and acting, even if imperfectly. Running for 20 minutes today—without the best gear or a long-term plan—is far more impactful than dreaming about becoming a runner.
Rather than attempting an extreme reinvention, the author advocates for “radical doability”—a practical, flexible approach to self-improvement. Instead of rigid perfectionism, it encourages setting small, attainable goals and embracing gradual progress. For instance, instead of committing to waking up at 5 a.m. daily, one might start with 7 a.m. and celebrate small successes. The idea is to build habits “dailyish,” as meditation expert Dan Harris puts it, without letting minor setbacks derail progress.
Another key principle of radical doability is prioritization. Trying to change everything at once—exercising, decluttering, learning a new language—sets people up for failure. Instead, focusing on a few meaningful changes increases the likelihood of success. If fitness is the main goal for 2025, other improvements can wait. Additionally, change should stem from genuine enjoyment, not just a sense of obligation. Asking “What would I enjoy doing differently?”rather than “What should I change?” makes new habits more sustainable.
Ultimately, the quest for a perfect future self prevents people from fully living in the present. Many delay happiness, believing life will begin once they reach a certain goal. This mindset creates a perpetual rehearsal, where today is seen as preparation for a better tomorrow that never arrives. Psychotherapist Marie-Louise von Franz describes this as the feeling that one is “not yet in real life.” The truth is, control and security are illusions—life is unpredictable, and there will always be unfinished tasks and uncertainties.
The real power lies in immediate, tangible action. Instead of waiting for the right moment, meaningful change happens through small, consistent steps—sending one message, meditating once, doing one workout. Rather than striving to become someone new, the key to fulfillment is embracing who we already are and making small, doable adjustments—starting right now.
From an article in the Wall Street Journal by Oliver Burkeman, December 27, 2024
Also look at Atomic Habits by James Clear.