Skip the Resolutions: Start a Tradition Instead

~ by Dianne Fanti, MS, CPC

This year, I'm skipping resolutions and creating traditions instead.

It might sound like semantics, but there's a real difference. Resolutions feel like obligations. Traditions are better. They feel more like unique occasions we genuinely look forward to—and the brain loves novelty!

The Power of Reframing

Recently, when I joined a friend's board game night, I didn't call it a "resolution to get out and socialize more." I just showed up, laughed, and enjoyed the experience. That's the difference—we're not forcing a habit; we're building something we want to keep.

The Science Behind Why Traditions Stick

James Clear explains in Atomic Habits that sustainable change comes from making behaviors obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. Traditions naturally do all four:

Make it obvious: "Sunday's our cooking night." (The fact that the habit's already established can signal a reminder.)

Make it attractive: "Instead of meal-prepping, let's invite friends over and explore making a few dishes from a favorite country together."

Make it easy: Tack it onto the habits you already have—it can piggyback on things you're already doing so it doesn't feel like extra work.

Make it satisfying: "We're creating memories, not just checking boxes." The satisfaction is genuine, not manufactured.

From Obligation to Anticipation

Most resolutions fade by February. We start off strong but when willpower fades, they become sources of guilt rather than growth.

Traditions work differently. They carry themselves forward through anticipation, not guilt. You don't force yourself to show up for something you're excited about—you protect it in your calendar.

What Tradition Will You Create?

Instead of another list of resolutions, ask yourself: What tradition could I start?

Maybe it's a weekly Saturday morning hike with friends. Maybe it's Sunday coffee and journaling. Maybe it's attending a weekly art or yoga class.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is making hand-beaded ornaments. I learned to make them as a child from my mother and grandmother. Now it connects me to generations of my family and creates something tangible I can treasure year after year and give as gifts.

And a favorite daily tradition is journaling and practicing Qigong (like Tai Chi but a different kind of moving meditation.) I didn't start either as a resolution, instead they just worked their way into my life since I found them enjoyable and helpful.

That's what traditions do—they ground and balance us and make life feel richer and more intentional.

Your Turn

What traditions are you interested in creating this year? What feels doable and like it holds possibility—what interests you when you think about it? Start there and start small. As you let go of any "shoulds," you'll automatically feel a little lighter and a sense of invitation will call you to try and explore new things.

Dianne A. Fanti, MS, CPC, is an author, trainer, education specialist, and Certified Professional Coach specializing in helping people overcome limiting beliefs to realize their full potential.