Written by Leslie M. Dill, AWT Director of Public Relations, UT-Austin Department Manager and Film Enthusiast

I have always cringed a bit when I see or hear the words "New Year, New You." This "New Year, New You" idea usually applies to pursuits involving dieting or overpaying for a gym membership you'll likely cancel within two or three months. But now, it represents the idea that at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve, we will (or just can) become totally different people - and this...we should really dismantle. 

I'm very much in favor of setting new goals, refreshing your closet or habits, but let's face it, the days between Christmas and New Years (and sometimes beyond that) are filled with holiday treats, sweatpants, copious amounts of cheese, different routines and this subliminal pressure to somehow become a different person when the New Years countdown begins. When I was young, I remember thinking New Years Eve was this glamorous celebration where the adults got to dress up, enjoy cocktails and countdown the New Year while I was in bed,  clearly missing out on all the fun. Once I began staying up for the supposedly thrilling event, I realized, much like a lot of other things in adult life, that it wasn't nearly as exciting as I'd anticipated. 

Then I drank the New Year, New You kool-aide and began setting goals in late December, only to abandon them by February. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. This went on for years until I began working in sports where we'd start working on New Year, New You campaigns in October and November. Not only did it lead to a sincere wish to never hear those words again, I also began avoiding the gym in January, when seemingly every one else on planet Earth was weight-lifting and stairmaster-ing their way to their new selves. (I very much admire these people, not only for getting themselves to the gym, but for elbowing their way through the "New Year, New You" people to get a machine!) Some people set goals in January and have abandoned them by February...some people don't set lofty goals on January 1st, and the internet can make them feel like seriously lazy underachievers...and there are people who begin a new habit on New Years Day and stick with it all year long. 

The point is, New Year, New You energy can be applied at any time of the year. Maybe the "new you" will debut in February...perhaps you'll commit to a new goal or create a new habit in June. Hey, Back-to-School time is a great time to refresh your ambitions! Remember, January 1st is not the only date on the calendar to start over, start something new or simply keep working. If you have some ambitious goals you set on January 1st, we will be cheering you on with clever memes all year long. If your goal is to slow down, take it all in or take better care of yourself, we will sit on the couch, watch tv and try a fun new face mask with you. Progress is progress, no matter what the date on the calendar says. 

The only thing I can guarantee in the New Year is that I will mistakenly write "2024" no less than a dozen times before writing 20245 feels normal. (And yes, I just typed 2024 instead of 2025. 1 down, at least 11 to go.) 

Have thoughts around New Year goal-setting? Let us know!

If you'd like to contribute to the AWT blog, please connect with Leslie M. Dill via LinkedIn or email publicrelations@awtaustin.org.