Emani Capers | On 23, Jan 2026

This year, the New Year’s resolution isn’t just to be your best self, but to make real progress toward the person you’ve always wanted to become, the one your reflection tells you you can’t reach.

It’s a new year, 2026, meaning everyone’s favorite thing to say is “New year, new me” or making a ridiculous high-reaching resolution that’s likely gonna be unachievable by the second week. Now I’m not saying that things are impossible because that’s not true. 

However, we must start being honest with ourselves, and above all, give ourselves grace and leniency. Meaning not putting yourself on only a water diet or saying you’re gonna change your whole personality overnight.  You’re not a robot; we are all humans who make mistakes, who fall, and cry. The best part of becoming mentally strong is learning how to grow and develop.  You don’t need fixing; you need patience for yourself.   Start small, pace yourself until you reach your comfort zone. Then, when you see progress and believe you’re ready for the next step. Go for it. It helps you grow,  not only in what you’re trying to conquer, but as a human being.  Knowing your limits and when to stop is critical. 

Remember:  the “New year, new me” mindset is unrealistic because it tells you that you think the old you wasn’t good enough. And how can you ever be someone new? When you couldn’t reach your greatest potential, when being your past self.  

As I said before, grace and kindness will take you a long way; a bad day doesn’t result in a bad life.

Yes, you had setbacks, and you went through tough times, but the most important part was that you could never be someone new until you forgive your old self, for the times you thought negatively, the moments you felt you weren’t worthy, and the nights spent in bed wondering what’s even the point of all this. 

Let’s try to say instead, “New year, better me” because truly, nothing was ever wrong with you before. Perhaps the best resolution isn’t becoming someone new, but rather learning to treat yourself better.