As the start of a new year approaches, many find themselves caught in a cycle of wishing time away, feeling rushed or overwhelmed and wanting to change every aspect of their lives. Many feel inspired to drastically change their lives and are often met with the well-known slogan of “new year, new me,” encouraging one to reinvent themselves in search of happiness and fulfillment. 

However, “new year, new me” is a toxic mindset widely accepted by society, pressuring one to reinvent themselves, hide their true selves and set unrealistic expectations, regardless of whether they align with their values and ideas of success. As 2025 approaches, once more, we are met with society’s expectations to seek new opportunities and change our lives drastically from one day to the next. Consider ditching the “new year, new me” mindset, and, instead, embrace the opportunity to express gratitude, reflect, reconnect with your inner child and, most importantly, stay true to yourself. 

Tualatin High School senior Keily Muñoz-Gallardo shared her thoughts on New Year’s resolutions.

 “I don’t really believe in making New Year’s resolutions that are truly important,” she said. “I understand that most of the time when you plan and set a goal for yourself, whether that be to do something or stop doing something, it is usually made at the beginning of the week, or month, year, etc., but if it’s truly important, then I don’t think you should wait until the start to set those goals.”

Muñoz also explained the importance of staying true to yourself when setting goals. 

“When setting goals I believe being realistic about the goal is always important,” she said. “If you make a goal unreachable and unreasonable when considering yourself and the difficulties in achieving that goal, then you will only disappoint yourself and lower your self esteem….Knowing your strengths and limitations when setting a goal and being honest with yourself is how you can stay true to yourself. Do you truly want to achieve the goal or do other people have the expectation that you’ll have certain goals?”

Approaching New Year’s resolutions with your values as a foundation, accepting that growth is continuous and requires patience. and staying true to yourself will ensure greater satisfaction and will allow you to connect with what truly matters. 

The act of embracing your inner child, being patient with yourself and aligning your goals with your values are a greater form of personal growth. So this New Year, make sure to set goals with the right mindset, and ditch the “new year, new me” ideology.