I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had mixed feelings about New Year’s resolutions. One minute I’m super excited about a “new chapter” – the next I’m panicking over the pressure to suddenly become a whole new version of myself just because the calendar says it’s a new year.
So this year, I’m doing things a little differently. Less pressure. More kindness. And most importantly – more sustainability.
It’s not about doing more – it’s about doing what’s right
It’s so easy to feel like you need to change your whole life at once. Start working out five times a week, read one book a month, cook all your meals from scratch, and stop scrolling on your phone after 8 PM 🙃
But let’s be honest – how long does that really last?
Instead of asking “what should I change?”, I’ve started asking:
👉 What do I want to build on?
👉 What makes me feel good – and how can I get more of that?
👉 How do I want to feel this year?
Intentions instead of resolutions
A resolution often turns into something black and white. “I won’t eat sugar,” “I’ll work out 5 days a week.” And then you miss ONE day – and suddenly it feels like you’ve failed completely.
But an intention is more like a direction. It gives you space to be human, while still keeping your focus.
Examples:
Instead of “I want to lose 5 kg” → “I want to feel stronger and have more energy”
Instead of “I’m quitting candy” → “I want to nourish my body more in my everyday life”
Instead of “I have to work out every day” → “I want to move regularly to feel good”
The 1% method – small steps every day
One thing I love (and try to remind myself of often) is the 1% method. It's all about not needing to change everything overnight. If you just improve something by 1% each day – it adds up to something big over time.
It could be small things like:
taking a short walk even if you don't have time for a full workout
eating lunch without distractions instead of in front of your laptop
turning off your phone 10 minutes earlier at night
filling half your plate with veggies
It might not feel like a big deal in the moment – but that’s exactly the point. It’s small changes, done often, that build sustainable results.
Here’s how you can think about it – a few tips from me 💭
1. Choose goals that feel good – not just look good
You don’t need to have the same goals as everyone else. Think about what actually matters to you. Small steps are still steps!
2. Be specific – but flexible
Having direction is great, but don’t make it so strict that you can’t enjoy life while doing it. For example: “I want to move my body 3 times a week” can mean a walk, a Pilates session, or dancing in the living room with your kids.
3. ONE goal at a time
We often want to change everything at once – but it’s so much kinder to focus on one habit at a time. It feels less overwhelming, and you get to feel proud along the way.
4. Don’t be afraid to adjust
Just because you set an intention in January doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. You’re growing – let your goals grow too.
In conclusion
You don’t need to be “your best self” every day to be on the right path.
It’s completely okay to start the year gently. To reflect. To check in with yourself. And to move forward at your pace – not someone else’s. 💗
Need some support along the way?
In Livity, you’ll find workout programs, nutrition guidance, and motivation – whether your goal is to move more, get into a routine, or simply feel better in your everyday life. 📲
Linnea Kungsman Persson
