The Art of Saying No to Resolutions

This is not a declaration of change, nor an attempt to suggest or advise—just some thoughts jotted down on the sheer absurdity of starting 2025.

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the age-old tradition of crafting New Year’s resolutions often takes center stage. Gym memberships soar, journals fill with ambitious plans, and social media buzzes with declarations of intent. Yet, as the weeks roll on, enthusiasm fizzles, and those shiny resolutions quietly slip into oblivion. It’s no wonder a growing number of people are embracing a radical, yet strangely liberating concept: having no resolutions at all.

For those still holding on to the charm of resolutions, here’s a lighthearted twist with some delightfully ambiguous goals to ponder:

• Make a to-do list of things already done – The sweet satisfaction of checking off “Brush Teeth” or “Had Coffee” is unmatched. Who’s following the list anyway

• Stop using memes to communicate – Who knows, maybe this is the year? 🤷‍♂️ But by February, texts will likely be back to 80% GIFs. Who needs words when a dancing cat says it all?

• Procrastinate more efficiently – Delay tasks with flair and purpose. Why be punctual when you can artfully dodge stress and call it "creative time management"?

• Perfect the art of napping – From casual catnaps to full-on sloth mode, let’s aim for nap excellence. Why wait for bedtime? Sleep is the universal solution—grab it whenever and wherever you can!

• Overthink less by overthinking better – Upgrade those endless spirals of thought with a dash of style. If we can’t change the nature of the pot, at least let’s paint it with flair.

• Hoard funny memes for future generations – A legacy worth preserving. The world might end someday, but let’s not leave social media without its crowning jewels of humor.

New Year’s resolutions often come with an underlying pressure to transform overnight. The idea of starting fresh is appealing, but it frequently sets unrealistic expectations. This pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy when goals aren’t met, turning a season of optimism into one of self-criticism. By forgoing resolutions, individuals free themselves from this cycle of setting lofty goals, falling short, and feeling guilty.

It is a simple argument- opting for no resolutions doesn’t mean we need to abandon growth or change—it’s about embracing the present moment and allowing personal development to unfold naturally. Without rigid goals, there’s more room to focus on mindfulness and appreciating the journey rather than fixating on specific outcomes. Sounds correct, right?

As we enter a new year, perhaps it’s time to reconsider the resolution tradition. Maybe the best resolution is no resolution—a commitment to live fully, adapt gracefully, and embrace the ebb and flow of life.

Here’s to a year of doing less, laughing more, and living life with a healthy dose of absurdity. Resolutions are optional, but lets keep humor mandatory!

- Pranjal Bhatt