As we move further into January 2026, a sense of cheerful relief is in the air for many. The festive excesses are behind us, routines are re-established, and the daunting tradition of setting New Year's resolutions looms less large. Rather than opting for goals destined to fail, the focus is shifting towards positive and easily attainable promises for the year ahead.
Ditch the Drudgery, Embrace Attainable Goals
The practice of making New Year's resolutions is an ancient one, with roots tracing back to the Babylonians around 2000 BC. However, modern resolutions often become a source of misery, focusing on difficult or undesirable tasks. The alternative is to choose resolutions that enhance life rather than punish it, celebrating the simple joy of being alive.
Resolution 1: Rediscover the Magic of the Cinema
While acknowledging the often high cost, there is a compelling case for resolving to see more films in a theatre. The experience of watching a quality film surrounded by an audience is described as uniquely life-affirming and meditative. It represents one of the last collective artistic rituals in an increasingly digital world. From anticipated releases like Hamnet and Marty Supreme to blockbuster sequels, the act supports a shared cultural space, free from the distraction of a smartphone screen.
Resolution 2: Dress with Intention and Care
This resolution isn't about a drastic style overhaul or emulating a celebrity. It's about the positive impact of taking care of your appearance. Considering where clothes come from, their sustainability, and elements like colour and fit can significantly boost self-perception. It's a far more achievable confidence booster than drastic weight loss and, ironically, you'll need new clothes if you do lose weight anyway.
Resolution 3: Let Go of Pointless Worries
The final suggestion involves consciously releasing anxiety over trivial matters. The article humorously cites the perennial American fixation on the mysterious contents of the McDonald's McRib—a topic so debated it has even sparked a class-action lawsuit. The resolution is to gain perspective: remember the Babylonians who "couldn't even dream of an indulgence of the magnitude of a McRib" and focus energy instead on what truly matters.
Focus on What Enriches Your Life
The overarching message for 2026 is to channel energy into meaningful pursuits: loved ones, health, and experiencing art. By adopting resolutions that are positive and within reach, the new year becomes an opportunity for gentle enrichment rather than a set-up for failure. As writer Dave Schilling concludes, it’s about forgetting the inconsequential and savouring what is genuinely important.
