No Resolutions.
Life moves fast—sometimes faster than I can keep up. With information coming at us from every direction, it's easy to feel like we're just reacting to what's next rather than staying intentional about what really matters. That's why carving out time to reflect isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity.
Blocking off time in your calendar for reflection—like you would for an important meeting—is one of the simplest ways to stay grounded. Treat it like it's non-negotiable. Use this time to ask yourself one personal, important question. Here's mine:
Are my values showing up in how I work, how I treat others, and how I contribute to my community? If not, what small changes can I make to realign?
Personally, I've found that this regular check-in beats the idea of New Year's resolutions hands down. Unless you have to, waiting for any specific day on the calendar to start something that you think is important feels like a waste. If you see something in your life that needs tweaking, why wait? Whether it's your health, a relationship, or your career, life doesn't pause for a convenient starting point, so you shouldn't either.
This mindset isn't about being perfect or taking on big, dramatic changes all the time. It's about staying flexible and responding to what's happening right now. Maybe you've been meaning to reconnect with an old friend, step up at work, or get more involved in your community. Acting on those impulses when they're fresh is how you keep the ball rolling.
And this habit isn't just about personal goals—it applies to bigger challenges, too. Think about societal issues, like criminal justice reform. Waiting for the “perfect time” to act, whether it's volunteering or advocating for change, never happens. “Perfect” isn't a day on the calendar. If you see a problem that speaks to you, start where you are. Even small actions, taken consistently, build momentum.
The good news is that we live in an age where resources and knowledge are more accessible than ever.
Reflection isn't about solving everything in one sitting. It's about keeping yourself accountable and steering your life in the direction you want. So, instead of waiting for some arbitrary milestone, build a habit of asking yourself the important questions. Put that time on your calendar, treat it seriously, and don't cancel it. Life will always be busy, but making space to “think” is what helps us stay true to who we are and what we care about.
