2026, the year of presence and awareness

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What if the problem isn’t your resolutions, 

but the way we’ve been taught to make them?

Research consistently shows that most New Year’s resolutions don’t last, 

and there’s a psychological reason why:

Most resolutions are built on self-criticism and external pressure rather than genuine self-introspection and understanding.

Many people set goals from a place of ‘I’m not good enough’, which activates their threat response and makes sustainable change nearly impossible.

We’re essentially trying to force ourselves into transformation through criticism - and this approach is far less effective than one rooted in self-compassion and values.

This year, I’m trying something different.

Instead of focusing on what to do to ‘improve myself’, 

I’m pausing more 

Noticing more 

And observing who I’ve become - without judgment.

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we call this decentering: 

Stepping back from our thoughts and experiences, seeing them as passing events rather than truths we have to act on or evaluate. 

It’s about creating psychological distance that allows for genuine insight, not just another list of goals we wouldn’t keep.

With that in mind, I’d love to share some reflection prompts that helped me bring more clarity and self-compassion as I closed this chapter: 

  • If 2025 was a movie, what would its title be? 
  • Who or what drained my energy, and who or what nourished it?
  • What do I choose to leave behind in 2025?
  • How does it feel to be me, right now, in this moment?

Share this with someone you care about and invite them to start their year with reflection and intention- rather than goals they’re statistically unlikely to keep.

Wishing you and your loved ones a year of awareness and peace of mind. 

Yours truly,

Dana Berri

Kindness is not just a virtue, it's a way of life.


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