Not to negate the power of writing down goals and setting actionable steps to achieving them, but goal setting often brings anxiety and increased expectations and pressures we place on ourselves to get them done in a timely manner. And social media doesn’t help.

Just a week ago, many of us found our feeds filled with things our circles learned in 2020 and goals they are setting (or reassessing) for 2021. Occasionally, this type of doomscrolling can make you feel like you have to settle on your own goals as well. This of course is not true, but the pressure and fear of being shamed sometimes pushes us in that direction.

If this sounds like you, I want you to know that not making New Year’s resolutions is okay and 100 percent normal, especially after the year we had. With all the uncertainties going on in the world when it comes to COVID-19, unemployment, and health – I’d like to encourage you to be mindful of your mental health, first and foremost. It’s okay to feel tired, exhausted and stressed. It’s okay to feel like you’re in survival mode. And if happen to find yourself making to-do lists, please try to treat yourself with kindness and grace if deadlines aren’t met when anticipated. There is nothing wrong with taking things day by day, and living in the moment.

After 2020, I think we all could benefit from a more relaxed world. One that doesn’t emphasis productivity and success but instead peace of mind and total wellness. And if that means you aren’t setting New Year’s resolutions, I think that’s OK. Here’s how to be kinder to yourself this year.