*Clinical review by Dr. Arpan Parikh
December is coming to a close and, with it, those four words we often dread hearing: New Year, New You. Words that pressure us to make New Year’s resolutions that demand sweeping life changes and year-long dedication. Resolutions are supposed to inspire and encourage, so what happens when they instead result in self-doubt and judgment?
As we enter 2026, let’s dedicate our time not to pressuring ourselves to achieve lofty goals, but rather to make smaller, healthier adjustments. Below, we’ll discuss tips for a healthier New Year that build your self-esteem while eliminating self-criticism.
Growing Self-Esteem for a Healthier New Year
Setting goals is important. What’s more important is how you feel about yourself along the journey to achieving them. Often, New Year’s resolutions center around big transformations and focusing on the “ideal you,” but big goals are harder to reach due to time, work, and family demands, and just life in general. The more we stray from those resolutions, the worse we tend to feel about ourselves; the worse we feel about ourselves, the more likely we are to experience sadness, stress, or feelings of self-judgement.
This new year, we’re rejecting the traditions that encourage self-criticism and are instead dedicating ourselves to embracing what makes you, you, by making the small changes that result in the biggest impacts.
Start Small
Life improvements don’t have to require large jumps from point A to B, such as paying off all debts, committing to an annual gym membership, writing an entire book, or getting a new degree. Break the cycle by setting smaller goals:
- Paying All Debts --> Paying off 1 or 2 credit cards
- Joining a Gym --> Exercising 10 minutes a day at home
- Writing a Book --> Writing 500-1,000 words a week
- Getting a Degree --> Taking a month-long certification course
Celebrate the Wins
It happens to all of us: succumbing to our inner critic, who tells us a goal wasn’t achieved, or wasn’t achieved correctly. This new year, replace that inner critic with an inner cheerleader, one who focuses on the positive and allows you to celebrate the small wins and personal victories. Instead of a “To-Do List,” create a “Ta-Da List” – write down the things you’re proud of accomplishing each day. You’re not comparing yourself against others or an “ideal you,” but acknowledging when you’ve made an improvement and found success.
Embrace the Imperfect
Part of celebrating the small wins means accepting imperfection. After all, there’s no such thing as perfect! Maybe those last few chapters you wrote aren’t your best work, but you put pen to paper and got the words out there – and that’s a win. Or maybe you didn’t get the highest score on that last course test, but you passed – and that’s an achievement. What matters is you got there, and that’s a big boost for your self-esteem.
Practice Self-Care
Your eyes are on the prize and the path to getting it. Take a detour every now and then to give yourself a break. Self-care is vital for improving self-confidence and esteem, refreshing our minds, and alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety. Take a hot bath, treat yourself to a mani/pedi, watch a favorite movie that makes you laugh, or enjoy any other activity that leaves you feeling good about yourself.
Accept Support
No one succeeds in a vacuum. Surround yourself with people who bring light and joy into your life, and who will help you celebrate you for who you are. The more positive your surroundings, the more you’ll lift your mood and find yourself achieving more goals, and maybe even helping others do the same!
Here to Help along the Way
As we approach the new year, remember that you are capable of great change; you just don’t have to do it all at once. Make the goals that feel most attainable first, and work your way up, building confidence and self-esteem every step of the way. If you need a little extra help making changes for a healthier new year, or need someone to talk to about ongoing mental health struggles, SOL Mental Health is ready when you are. Contact us to take charge of 2026.
