Why January Isn’t the Time for Grand Plans
Living Seasonally
As the echoes of New Year’s celebrations fade, we’re often swept into a tide of resolutions, self-improvement challenges, and promises to “make this year our best one yet.” But what if we didn’t? What if January wasn’t about bells, whistles, and grand plans, but instead, about listening to nature, our bodies, and the rhythms of the seasons?
Last year, I explored a similar theme in my post about Women’s Christmas - a beautiful tradition that invites rest and reflection after the busyness of the festive season. (If you missed it, you can read it here.) This concept resonates even more as I reflect on how our cultural expectations often clash with what January should represent.
The Season for Rest
In nature, January is a time of stillness. Trees stand bare, animals hibernate, and the earth lies dormant, gathering strength for the renewal of spring. Yet, society urges us to do the opposite: hit the ground running, set audacious goals, and hustle to become “better” versions of ourselves.
But why? Who decided that the dead of winter, with its long nights and slow energy, was the perfect time for transformation?
Living seasonally means aligning our actions with the natural world. In January, that might mean embracing quiet, introspection, and recuperation. It’s a time to recharge rather than revamp, to restore rather than resolve.
The Problem with New Year’s Resolutions
The pressure to overhaul our lives at the start of a new calendar year often feels arbitrary and overwhelming. For many, resolutions become yet another set of expectations we feel we must meet - another layer of “Good Girl Conditioning” to shake off.
Research shows that most resolutions fail by mid-February. Why? Because real, lasting change doesn’t come from external pressure or an arbitrary date. It comes from internal alignment, readiness, and intention - all things that take time to cultivate.
A Different Approach to January
Instead of making bold resolutions, what if we approached January as a season of pause? Here are a few ways to embrace this perspective:
Reflect Instead of Resolve - Look back on the past year with curiosity rather than judgement. What brought you joy? What drained your energy? Use these insights to guide your intentions for the months ahead, but don’t feel pressured to act on them just yet.
Rest Without Guilt - Take inspiration from nature and allow yourself to rest. Winter is a season for sleep, stillness, and slow mornings. Honour your need for recuperation - it’s not lazy; it’s absolutely necessary.
Plan for Spring - Just as farmers don’t plant seeds in the frost, you don’t need to launch new projects in the depths of winter. Use this time to dream and plan, knowing that spring will bring the energy to act.
Connect with Seasonal Rhythms - Consider how your daily life can align more closely with the season. Can you light candles to embrace the darkness? Enjoy warming, nourishing foods? Spend time outdoors, even briefly with your hat, scarf and gloves on, to connect with the crisp, cold air?
Permission to Take It Slow
Living seasonally isn’t about rejecting progress or change - it’s about respecting the natural ebb and flow of energy. January doesn’t need to be a massive sprint to self-improvement. Instead, can we make it a time to pause, reflect, and prepare for the renewal to come?
The year stretches out before us like a blank canvas. But we don’t need to start painting right away. Sometimes, the most important step is simply to rest and gather our colours.
What would living more seasonally look like for you this January? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And What Else is Happening?
1. Good Girl Deprogramming Podcast
In the first episode of 2025, I sit down with Katy Lumsden to discuss the journey of breaking free from Good Girl Conditioning. Katy shares her transformative experience reading Good Girl Deprogramming, her reflections on systemic patriarchy, and the power of collective action through her own Good Girl Gang.
From the importance of noticing systemic influences to navigating challenging conversations in a safe space, this episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to self-inquiry, empowerment, and creating lasting change.
What We Cover:
How It Began: Katy explains how a LinkedIn post by Dr. Hayley Lewis introduced her to Good Girl Deprogramming and inspired her to form a reading group.
Impact of the Book: Katy discusses her “holy crap” moment upon discovering Biderman’s Chart of Coercion and its connection to systemic patriarchy.
Creating Change: The challenges and opportunities in fostering allyship and tackling systemic oppression.
Practical Barriers: Real-world examples of how workplaces can unknowingly perpetuate inequity, from unsuitable chairs to inaccessible spaces.
The Power of Community: The importance of safe, trusted spaces for deep discussions and support while engaging with these themes.
You can find it on all the usual podcasting platforms or on YouTube -
2. WTF (Women Talking Facts)
I can’t wait to start these conversations again with Felice because SO MUCH has happened in the world over the last couple of weeks. I have tried to keep things “jolly” over the Christmas period, but we will be back chatting about all things misogyny on Friday at 10:30 am.
You can see where we’re hanging out and catch up with all episodes here.
3. ADHD Made Me Do It
If you’ve read my book or heard me speak, you’ll know that meeting the incredible Anna Price was a total game-changer for me, one of those rare, life-altering moments!
We met when she was sharing her experience with an ADHD diagnosis, and every single word she spoke felt like it was pulled straight from my own brain. Lightbulbs. Fireworks. Epiphanies. The whole lot.
So, when she asked me to deliver a workshop at her retreat next year, I didn’t hesitate. No overthinking. No “let me check my diary.” Just an unapologetic, full-body HELL YES.
Trust me, you’ll want to be there for this one. ✨
There’s more info here and you can book directly on Anna’s website here. Payment plans are being offered too!
Give me a shout if you have any questions at all.
That’s all from me this week!
Lots of love x
It has taken me 50 years to learn this and embrace it. I have dealt with SAD for a number of years and finally decided this fall that I would look at winter differently, embracing it as a season of rest and renewal as nature intended. I still notice a few pangs of guilt about "not doing enough", but I shake them off and it truly has made a huge difference in my well being.
Michelle - this is fantastic. I have not considered January as a respite before and it just makes sense. Thanks for again being the voice of reason.