Stop Overthinking the New Year—What If You Just Did Nothing?
Instead, I want to explore the notion of doing nothing except being in the present space created around this time—without thinking and planning for what’s next. Could this be the key to a true, fulfilling, and restorative break?
I don’t know about you, but my social media feeds are brimming with the ‘new year, new you’ ethos we tend to see at this time. Posts aim to motivate people into starting afresh with new goals and plans, (which then often falling away a month in). However, I’m not here to talk about creating sustainable habits (read Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg for that). Instead, I want to explore the notion of doing nothing except being in the present space created around this time—without thinking and planning for what’s next. Could this be the key to a true, fulfilling, and restorative break?
As the holiday season approaches, many people find themselves juggling a myriad of responsibilities. From gift shopping and meal planning to family gatherings and career wrap-ups, December can feel more like a marathon than a season of joy. Amid this flurry of activity, the question arises: should you use the holiday break as a time for reflection and goal-setting, or simply savour the opportunity to unwind and live in the moment?
Reflection and Goal-Setting
The end of the year naturally invites introspection. For many, the holiday season presents a rare pause in the rhythm of life—a perfect time to look back on achievements, challenges, and personal growth over the past year. Reflection can bring clarity, helping you assess what worked, what didn’t, and what changes you’d like to make moving forward. Setting goals for the upcoming year can also ignite a sense of purpose and motivation.
Research supports the idea that structured goal-setting can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Writing down goals and crafting actionable steps makes it more likely you’ll achieve them. For those who feel stretched thin, taking time to set intentions for the new year can feel empowering, a way to reclaim agency over life’s direction.
Moreover, reflection doesn’t need to be a solitary or heavy process. It can be as simple as discussing highlights and lessons learned with loved ones, journaling, or even creating a vision board. The key is to approach it as a positive and nurturing exercise rather than a chore.
Living in the Moment
On the flip side, the holidays are a rare chance to step off the treadmill of life and simply exist. For many, the act of constantly striving—even if it’s toward personal goals—can feel exhausting. Embracing the moment during the holiday season can be a deeply restorative practice.
Living in the moment doesn’t mean avoiding reflection altogether; it means prioritizing presence. Spending quality time with family and friends, savoring festive meals, and truly engaging in the joy of the season can recharge your emotional batteries. After all, wellness is not just about planning for the future but also about finding peace and happiness in the present.
Psychologists often advocate for mindfulness as a tool for reducing stress and improving mental health. By focusing on the here and now, you may discover new joys and insights that reflection and planning alone can’t provide. For those who feel like they’re always planning the next thing, choosing to “just be” during the holidays can be a radical act of self-care.
Why Do We Need to Consider all of This?
Take Christmas Eve for example. I spend all day planning for the next day and it goes by in a blur of activity. Then on Christmas Day I spend all day making sure everything goes to plan and working out timings and order of cooking, always preparing for the next moment. It's only when I get to Boxing Day that I suddenly stop planning or organising. A day usually taken to rest and just enjoy the time, although I usually end up looking at holidays for the coming year or organising for New Year's Eve! This year I'm going to be more mindful - embracing the environment and people around me.
Striking a Balance
Do you need to choose one approach over the other? Perhaps not. Finding a balance between reflection and relaxation might be the most fulfilling path. Consider dedicating a specific day or a few hours to review the year and jot down thoughts or goals. The rest of the holiday can be reserved for indulging in the present moment.
Here are a few tips to strike that balance:
- Set Boundaries: If you decide to reflect, allocate a specific time for it so it doesn’t overshadow your holiday.
- Keep It Light: Reflection doesn’t have to be intense. Focus on gratitude and accomplishments rather than dwelling on failures.
- Practice Mindfulness: During family gatherings or quiet moments, engage fully with your surroundings and loved ones.
- Blend the Two: Create traditions that incorporate both reflection and presence. For example, go on a reflective walk with a friend or share a gratitude circle after a holiday meal.
In Conclusion
Whether you choose to spend your holiday reflecting, living in the moment, or both, the decision should align with your personal needs and values. So listen to your intuition - what is it telling you that you need right now? Introspection and planning can be a source of inspiration and the gift of stillness and presence can be the ultimate rejuvenation. Remember, the holiday season is yours to shape. Prioritise what nurtures your well-being and brings you joy. Enjoy it and lean it to whatever decision you choose.
I think it will be a mix for me but with a weighting towards just ‘being’.
Joanne
Want some support on 'just being in the moment ' - coaching can help - contact me joanne@joannecoaching.com.