Resolution Alternatives: Do More, Do Less
As with most people, I have a love/hate relationship with the internet. Particularly social media. Doomscrolling is terrible, but occasionally Instagram offers up a good idea. Like the one I recently found from artist and illustrator Julia Rothman. A few years ago, she gave up on resolutions and started writing – and illustrating, of course! – two lists. In one column she listed all the things she wanted to do “More of” and in the other column she listed what she wanted to do “Less of.” What a revelation revolution!
Instead of bold declarations of the person you want to become – many of which are unattainable in a good year – she offers the idea that you are wonderful just as you are, but a few tweaks here and there wouldn’t hurt anyone. When I talk about going to therapy, I say I’m not broken, just a little bent. Small adjustments (and a few big ones) have been key for me. This approach feels good. In line with my own personal work. As I’ve aged/matured I have learned to embrace Incremental growth. It’s a game changer.
If this is something that sounds good to you, it’s very simple to do. Get a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle, and write “More” in one column and “Less” in the other one. Then visualize the last year, or the last many years, and ask yourself what do you want more of in 2025. Is it more time with family, more time for yourself, more long walks, more curiosity, or maybe more connection? Then think of what you want less of. What didn’t work for you? Is it less saying no, or even less saying yes? Maybe less sugar or wine? Less comfort zone? Less doom scrolling? Once you’ve figured it out write,or if you’re like Julia draw, what you will do more of and what you will do less of in 2025. Easy breezy!
“What I love about this is that more and less doesn’t mean all or nothing. Which are what resolutions feel like. It relieves pressure to fix it and be done. ”
Or more often, to try and fix it, fail miserably, then beat yourself up for it all year long. We are all works in progress – broken, bent, or otherwise – and deserve to give ourselves grace as we work to improve. This is my list. It is (washi) taped onto the inside of my medicine cabinet so I don’t forget.
Best wishes – and good luck – to all of us in 2025!!
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