The arrival of January often brings a frantic pressure to “reset.” We are bombarded with messages telling us to be thinner, faster, more productive, or more disciplined. However, if we look out of our windows, the natural world is telling us a very different story.

In the deep midwinter, the earth is in a state of slumber. Trees have shed their leaves to conserve energy, and life has retreated beneath the soil to wait out the frost. As beings that are part of this natural world, it is counter-intuitive for us to push ourselves into high gear when the days are at their shortest and the air is at its coldest.

The Myth of the January Reset

The tradition of making resolutions in January is a calendar-based construct, not a biological one. Forcing yourself to start a rigorous new regime or a demanding business goal right now can feel like trying to force a flower to bloom in the snow. It requires an immense amount of energy that we simply might not have during these dark months.

If you find yourself struggling to keep the promises you made on New Year’s Day, please be gentle with yourself. It isn’t a failure of willpower; it might just be a case of bad timing.

Respecting the Season of Rest

There is a quiet productivity in rest. Just as the soil needs the winter to replenish its nutrients, our minds and bodies need time to reflect and recover. Instead of pushing for “improvement,” consider using this time for:

• Reflection: Looking back at the lessons of the previous year, without the pressure to act on them immediately.
• Planning: Dreaming of what you might like to grow when the light returns, rather than forcing the growth now.
• Nurturing: Prioritising warmth, comfort, and restorative activities that protect your mental well-being.

Waiting for the Spring

Spring is the true season of renewal. When the sap begins to rise and the first buds appear, we naturally feel a surge of energy and motivation. Making changes when the environment is supportive of growth is far more sustainable than fighting against the seasonal grain.

By letting go of the need to be “new” in January, you give yourself the space to arrive in spring feeling rested and genuinely ready for change. For now, it is enough to simply be, to stay warm, and to wait for the light to return.