Yikes. Geesh.
‘Tis the season for completely, wildly, depressingly unrealistic (and highly gendered) new year ambitions.
There are so many ads in my social media newsfeeds for programs, books, coaching, and support groups, all aimed at changing my life. The changes are so many and so big that they almost (ALMOST) make me nostalgic for the days when it was all about weight loss. I mean, that was also unrealistic and ultimately depressing, but at least it was just one goal.
Now they are all about SLEEP, and MEDITATION, and READING, and EXERCISE, and NUTRITION, and NATURE, and GRATITUDE, and SOCIAL CONNECTIONS, and SKINCARE, and even DECLUTTERING.
Don’t forget also to DRINK ALL THE WATER MANY TIMES A DAY!
The Greatness App, for example, tracks your daily routine including making your bed in the morning, disconnecting from social media at night, bathing and skincare, eating healthy meals, meditating and getting enough sleep.
There’s also the whole Girl Gotta Change line of planners, diaries, and workbooks that include health and fitness, lifestyle and wellness, and academic goals.
The Lasting Change personalized planner is also all over my newsfeed. I was skeptical as soon as gender with MALE/FEMALE/OTHER appeared as the first question in the personalization process. Again, it all seems a bit much.
Here’s a typical suggested morning routine (but you can alter it to suit you):
It’s not that I don’t think these are all good areas in which we can make positive changes in our lives–and certainly they’re better than weight loss–but I do think it can be overwhelming to tackle ALL OF THEM AT ONCE.
Also, it’s missing key aspects of my life, like frantically doing a Duolingo lesson in bed just before midnight to avoid losing a streak, or laying in bed trying to solve Wordle before getting up and making coffee. Joking, I know, but only sort of.
I know I’m not their target market. I’m older, nearly 60!, and I’m not just starting out and establishing my routine. Still, even Young Me would have found this a Bit Much.
How about you? Do you find the new year a useful restart, a helpful blank page, as Tracy put it recently? Do you like the focus on daily habits and routines? The thing is I like them too one at a time. Like many of us here, I’ve tried the getting outside for 20 minutes a day challenge and I liked its effect on my life. I’ve done some impressive (to me) meditation streaks. But the idea of a day structured by these goals and plans seems to lack enough spontaneity for me, especially if you take them all on at once.
Also, a confession, dear friends and readers, I’ve never had a skincare routine.
Anyway, let me know what you think? Do you find these plans inspirational and motivational or exhausting and overwhelming?
