By Jane Arthur-McGuire
As December drew to a close, in one of our final JAM team meetings, somewhere between wrapping up projects and talking about the year ahead, the conversation drifted to New Year’s resolutions and very quickly, it became clear just how differently we each feel about January.
Three people. Three very different approaches to the New Year.
Charley was quick to jump in. She loves a New Year. For Charley, January represents opportunity. A fresh start. A chance to set an intention, try something new and lean into what might be ahead. She talked about feeling genuinely excited by the energy of a new year and the possibilities it can hold. New year, new intention? Charley is very much all in.
Katie, on the other hand, couldn’t feel more differently. She shared that she never makes New Year’s resolutions and doesn’t feel any particular pull towards January “newness” at all. Her view is that there are always good times and difficult times and opportunities to do things differently exist throughout the year, not just because the calendar has changed. Change doesn’t need a designated start line. It happens when it’s needed.
And then there’s me. I love a goal. I have notebooks (plural) and a diary that help me set annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly (and even daily) goals and intentions. For me, having something to work towards is deeply motivating. Without a goal, I feel unanchored. Goals give me structure, focus and momentum, and they’re often what push me to do the harder things and stretch beyond my comfort zone. No goal? Honestly, I struggle.
Motivation is an inside job and it’s personal
What stayed with me after that conversation wasn’t whose approach was “right”. It was how different we all were and how completely normal that is. Three people. Three valid ways of relating to the New Year. Three very different sources of motivation.
It reminded me of something we see time and again in our work with leaders and teams: there is no single “correct” way to motivate yourself, reflect on the year, or approach change.
Yet January has a habit of telling us otherwise.
Self compassion this new year
Around the same time, I came across a short clip by LeighElena Henderson, watch it here, you won’t regret it.
Her message was simple and comforting: You need to let go of the idea that there are a whole bunch of things you need to fix about yourself next year.
Instead, she suggested, what many of us actually need is rest, clarity, understanding and space. Space away from the noise, the expectations and the relentless sense that we should always be improving.
Because the version of you that made it through this year? They’re already pretty brilliant.
A different question for the year ahead
So instead of asking: “How can I improve next year?”
I’m encouraging myself, and others, to ask: “How can I better support myself this year?”
That question leaves room for ambition and compassion. For goals and recovery. For growth and sustainability.
Whether you feel energised by January, quietly sceptical of it, or comforted by a well-structured plan and a fresh notebook perhaps the most important thing is recognising what you need to stay well, motivated and grounded.