Have you ever heard of the saying “new year, new me”? If not, it would be very surprising because that is what many love to say when another new year comes. Next week will be new year’s and all throughout the week, you’ll probably see this in captions on social media or hear people say it when they’re talking online. You may even hear your friends and family say it as well.

I was someone that used to say this every year, but then I realized something, I was always the same me. It was almost as if the concept that you will become a totally new person the moment January hits is unrealistic (and it is). This kind of mindset is how gyms become full on January 1st and then back to normal after a few months go by. New people are coming into the gym, but because they didn’t change at the stroke of midnight, they realized they’re still not gym people.

I can also thank social media for helping me change my mentality of the “new year, new me” saga. As crazy and unrealistic as the internet may be, we are truly advancing to where more and more people are coming to the surface that rather portay true life versus an act. Thus, the truth of the “new year, new me” saying is coming out each year.

What’s the truth you might ask?

The truth is that there is no such thing as a “new you”. You will always be you, which isn’t a bad thing because that’s what makes you special! Trying to become a new you is trying to be something or someone that you’re not. This may not apply to everyone, but it means making plans to do things that you’re simply not interested in. You can use going to the gym again for example. I think everyone should strive to be their healthiest self, but not everyone needs to or likes to workout on a treadmill to do so. Just because you see other people doing it on social media, doesn’t mean that you have to do it too.

Instead, the goal should be to focus on becoming an improved you. You’re still the same person, but even better than who you were before. It’s also important to state the fact that you don’t need to wait until a new year to do so. It doesn’t matter how much time is left. All that matters is that there’s still time. You’re not going to wake up on January 1st as the improved person you want to become. It takes time, which is why getting a head start is essential.

When you focus on becoming an improved you, you’re making goals to do things that fit you and the life you truly want for yourself. It has nothing to do with aesthetics or what you see others are doing. It does have everything to do with becoming a better, happier version of who you are now.

So, as another new year comes around, don’t focus on becoming a new you. Focus on what and how you can improve throughout the year. Focus on what you truly need for yourself…not anyone else.

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How do you feel about the saying “new year, new me”? Do you think it’s time for it to retire or do you see it as harmless? Let’s discuss!