New Year. Same You.

Resolution (n): a firm decision to do or not to do something.

In a feisty spirit, similar to our opposition to the phrase “anti-aging,” there is a groundswell against the concept of resolutions. No one, it seems, is buying into the “New Year, New You” decree of year’s past. And for good reason. 

Resolutions are rarely harnessed in motivation, and often make us feel bad about ourselves as we fail to turn them into action or noticeable transformations. “By taking off big, lofty goals you’re giving yourself the freedom to actually pursue the goals that are most important to you,” says social psychologist Jessica Ayers.

We can change our consciousness and goals – just as we do our wardrobe – to reflect who are striving to be, without disposing who we inherently are.  Rather than force feed resolutions – which feel like rules rather than dreams – why not daydream about what you want life to look like. To feel like. Less reinvention, more exploration.

Equinox, my old stomping ground in NYC, is taking this anti-resolution charge to heart with its “We don’t speak January” campaign – not allowing new memberships in this first month in lieu of promoting a long term view toward fitness.

Despite mixed reviews of this policy, the luxury gym is onto something. We are more than our resolutions. And as January 13th (the second Friday each January) is called “Quitters Day” we will get much further in life remembering each day is a new beginning.

Create A Bucket – and F*ck it – List

Having intentions is nothing without grand gestures or rewards to look forward to –and work toward.  It can inspire your hustle.  Break out that moleskin and craft travel ideas that fulfill your wanderlust. Create ideas for dedicated family time. Mark dates for slowing down to simply do nothing.  Your list, your dreams. No pressure.

But self-acceptance (and self-love) should be at the top of our lifelong bucket list. Something we work toward every day of the year. With the jarring rise of “celebrity cheek surgery” (buccal fat removal) and the Ozempic shortage due to overuse, comes the fear that our self esteem is heading in the wrong direction.

Sky high cheek bones and the return of “Heroin Chic” skinny have not only altered the standard of beauty, but our goals as well.  Perfect is not the goal, yet the “superwoman” myth, which is responsible for so much of our burnout, has us in a chokehold.  Here is where a F*ck It List applies.  Write all the things not deserving of your time, energy or focus.  Then let go and enjoy the freedom.  I’ll start: Social media algorithms do not change how I feel about my writing talent. And, equally important, I loathe – and refuse to wear – high waisted pants despite them being forever on trend. Your turn.

Brain Care

Having our hearts and minds in check will allow us to consider the next frontier in wellness: Brain Care.  As the number of us aging (driven by the plethora of baby boomers) is unprecedented in U.S. history and brain health is tied to mental well-being, Brain Care has grown in interest – and become a fiscally viable market (slated to reach 15.74 billion by 2030).

This is not a push for more gummies in your regimen, but a reminder that research reveals lifestyle choices can nurture brain health and ensure greater longevity — From nutrition (eggs, fish, green tea and coffee are among the foods that improve cognitive function) and physical exercise (both balance and strength training) to continued brain exercise through things you enjoy (meditation, learning new skills, reading, puzzles, etc) and quality sleep.  While the field of neuronutrition is still in its infancy, Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s (director of Women’s Brain Initiative/associate director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College) book XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women is a must-read.

Dr. Bowen Jiang, M.D., a neurosurgeon and wellness advisor for No. 8 – a vitamin with nootropics (cognitive enhancers found in brain care brands) – likens taking care of our brain to oral care.  They should both be tended to daily.  Not surprisingly, Goop also sells cognitive supporters. Given the benefits, feels like a no-brainer to add this to my self-care. I look forward to learning so much more — and bringing it to you — this year.

While we are anti-resolution, make a conscious choice to love and care for yourself – inside and out.

Happy 2023.

xx.