Every January, like clockwork, I feel this weight settle on my shoulders—the unspoken pressure to define my entire year in a neat little list of resolutions. You know the drill: bold declarations of fitness milestones, financial goals, career ambitions, or personal transformations. And yet, despite being someone who sets intentions daily, outlines goals monthly, and often finds myself manifesting through journaling, I still stumble when it comes to this ritual of “New Year’s resolutions.”
Why do we force ourselves to compress all of our hopes and dreams into a single paragraph just because the calendar flipped? And more importantly, why do I feel guilty when I don’t?
This year, instead of spiraling into that familiar guilt, I leaned into reflection. I journaled. I took slow morning walks, letting the quiet clear my mind. I turned to my favorite places of inspiration, scrolling through articles that often ground me when I’m restless. And then—almost serendipitously—I stumbled across something that shifted everything.
It was The Cut’s Editor’s Letter. A simple, elegant idea leapt off the page: instead of resolutions, make a More/Less list.
The Beauty of Simplicity
What struck me about this approach was how refreshingly doable it felt. No lofty promises destined to be forgotten by February. No endless to-do lists masquerading as self-improvement. Just two columns: More and Less.
It’s not about reinventing yourself overnight. It’s about gentle course correction. It’s about saying, “I’d like to invite more of this into my life” and “I’d like to let go of some of that.” Doesn’t that feel kinder? Doesn’t it feel lighter?
Reframing Growth
When I think about personal growth, I realize it’s never been about giant leaps—it’s the small, daily shifts that matter. Adding more laughter into my week. Spending less time scrolling before bed. More face-to-face conversations. Less overcommitting.
This framework doesn’t demand perfection. It invites balance. It acknowledges that we already know, deep down, what serves us and what drains us. The beauty is in finally giving ourselves permission to name it.
My Personal More/Less List
So, here’s what I’m working with as I step into this new year:
More:
- Quiet mornings without my phone
- Home-cooked meals with Kevin
- Books that inspire and challenge me
- Walks outside, even on cold days
- Intentional connection with friends and family
Less:
- Comparing my journey to others online
- Saying “yes” when I mean “no”
- Mindless late-night scrolling
- Clutter (both physical and mental)
- The guilt that comes with slowing down
Just writing this list feels liberating. It’s simple, flexible, and forgiving. It doesn’t set me up for failure if I stumble; it just guides me gently back toward what matters.
An Invitation to You
If you’ve been feeling that same knot in your stomach about not having your resolutions lined up—or if you’ve already set them and feel overwhelmed—consider trying this More/Less method. You might be surprised by how intuitive it feels.
After all, growth isn’t about the pressure of perfection. It’s about clarity. About choosing, day by day, where you want to place your energy. And what better way to do that than by committing to just a little more of what fills you up, and a little less of what doesn’t?
So, here’s my question: what’s on your More/Less list?
