As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome in a new year, there’s a unique energy in the air. The fresh start that January offers can feel like a blank slate, full of possibilities. It’s tempting to jump into the year with the familiar rallying cry of "New Year, New You!" However, before we race into resolutions that might fade as quickly as they’re made, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on a deeper, more sustainable approach to growth and well-being.
Rather than focusing on dramatic change for the sake of change, what if we shifted our attention to creating habits that align with who we truly want to be, both today and in the months ahead? This mindset invites us to build a foundation that doesn’t just rely on a momentary burst of energy in January, but on a lasting commitment to growth — growth that persists long after the sparkle of the new year has dimmed.
At barre3, we’re exploring this very idea as we enter the new year. We’re encouraging our community to focus not on transformation, but on intentional progress — slow, steady, and mindful. This approach resonates deeply with me personally, as I find myself continually striving for balance amidst the noisy, often overwhelming wellness culture that surrounds us. Everywhere we turn, there’s conflicting advice on what it means to be truly well. But here’s the thing: wellness is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s deeply personal, and each of us is the best judge of what wellness means in our own lives.
If you’re reading this, I want to invite you to take a moment of reflection. What habits in your life are supporting your well-being? Which ones no longer serve you? The first step in creating meaningful change is awareness. When we are honest with ourselves about the habits we’ve cultivated, we can begin to assess which ones need to be nurtured and which ones might need to be released. From there, the second step is action — small, deliberate actions that build over time.
In his bestselling book Atomic Habits, author James Clear introduces the concept of “habit stacking.” The idea is simple but powerful: by pairing a new habit with an existing one, we can create a seamless flow that makes the new behavior feel automatic. For example, if you want to start taking vitamins every morning, why not pair it with a habit you already do consistently, like brushing your teeth? By linking the new habit to an existing one, you’re more likely to remember it and make it part of your routine.
The beauty of this approach is that it allows us to take small, manageable steps. Rather than trying to overhaul our entire life in one go, we can introduce one new habit per month, making it easier to integrate into our daily lives without feeling overwhelmed. Baby steps, as they say, are often the key to lasting change.
And here’s an important reminder as you embark on your journey of self-improvement: be kind to yourself. The inner dialogue we carry with ourselves is perhaps the most important factor in our overall wellness. We can be our own harshest critics, and that negativity can quickly derail our efforts. But when we approach our goals with compassion and patience — acknowledging our progress, no matter how small — we set ourselves up for success.
As you think about your intentions for the year ahead, I encourage you to approach them with curiosity and self-love. Focus not just on what you want to change, but on how you want to show up for yourself and others. After all, the most sustainable change is the one that comes from a place of self-acceptance and love, not self-judgment.
Whatever your goals may be, whether they involve fitness, health, career, or personal growth, I hope you lean into them with a loving and patient heart. Remember, growth is not linear, and the journey itself is often as important — if not more important — than the destination.
Wishing you all a year of mindful progress, meaningful habits, and the quiet confidence that comes with being exactly where you need to be.