My 2025 Resolutions: Letting Go of Grudges, Becoming a Better Listener, and Reading More
As the new year dawns, many of us reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. This year, my resolutions focus on improving my mental well-being. Inspired by happiness expert Jessica Weiss, I’m tackling three key areas: releasing old grudges, enhancing my listening skills, and dedicating more time to reading. These seemingly simple goals, backed by scientific evidence and expert advice, aim to significantly improve my daily life and overall happiness. This article details my approach, the reasoning behind each resolution, and Weiss’s insightful perspectives on their potential impact.
Key Takeaways: Resolutions for a Happier 2025
- Letting go of past grudges can reduce anxiety, stress, and boost self-esteem.
- Improving listening skills strengthens relationships by making others feel heard and valued.
- Regular reading offers benefits similar to meditation, quieting the mind and promoting well-being.
- Small, achievable goals are key to maintaining momentum and achieving larger resolutions.
1. Letting Go of Old Grudges: A Path to Inner Peace
Over time, I’ve accumulated a collection of grudges, from unresolved family conflicts to past romantic disappointments. These lingering resentments fuel anger and negativity, even years after the events. This year, I’m committed to releasing this emotional baggage, regardless of whether reconciliation is possible. The Mayo Clinic supports this approach, citing the positive effects of forgiveness on reducing anxiety and stress, strengthening the immune system, and improving self-esteem.
The Power of Letting Go
“You can let go of grudges completely on your own,” assures Weiss. She suggests a practical technique: writing a letter to the person you hold a grudge against, without sending it. “The physical act of putting pen to paper releases the anger, anxiety, or whatever you’re feeling,” she explains. This process allows for emotional processing and catharsis without requiring interaction with the source of the resentment. The focus isn’t on fixing the past, but on freeing myself from its negative grip. This conscious act of release paves the way for emotional healing and personal growth.
2. Becoming a Better Listener: The Art of Meaningful Connection
I enjoy engaging in conversations, but I often find myself prioritizing my response over actively listening. My eagerness to contribute sometimes overshadows my ability to fully absorb what others are saying. This year, I aim to be a more attentive and present listener.
The Benefits of True Listening
Weiss points out that this is a common tendency, yet shifting the focus towards the speaker offers significant rewards. “People like feeling like they’ve been heard,” she explains, “and when people feel heard and listened to, they’re naturally going to like you more.” This isn’t merely about politeness; it’s about fostering genuine connection and strengthening relationships. By prioritizing understanding, I aim to create more fulfilling interactions and deeper bonds with others.
Practical Steps to Better Listening
To achieve this, Weiss recommends a simple yet effective strategy: asking more questions and making fewer statements. This creates space for the other person to share their thoughts and feelings, emphasizing their experiences and perspective. This shift in attitude reflects a commitment to genuine listening, creating a more reciprocal and satisfying exchange. It’s about making the conversation about *them*, not me.
3. Reading More: A Path to Mental Clarity
Living with ADHD presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to sustained focus on tasks like reading. However, I recognize the invaluable mental health benefits reading offers. This year, I’m actively resolving to dedicate more time to reading.
Reading as Meditation
Weiss highlights the surprising similarities between reading and meditation. “Reading actually offers so many of the benefits of meditation,” she notes, “it quiets the brain in the way that meditation quiets the brain.” This aligns perfectly with my desire to reduce mental clutter and enhance focus. Reading provides an opportunity for mental escape and relaxation, a vital component of self-care and mental well-being.
Achievable Goals for Reading
Weiss’s recommendation for achieving this goal is straightforward: dedicate just 20 minutes daily to reading. “No phone, no TV, just reading for 20 minutes,” she emphasizes. This manageable time commitment allows for consistency without feeling overwhelming. This small but consistent effort enables me to reap the significant benefits of regular reading without sacrificing time or energy elsewhere. Starting small is important; this way, success, even in small increments, can be celebrated.
Maintaining Momentum: The Importance of Small Wins
Setting ambitious goals is the first step; sustainability requires diligent effort and a strategic approach. Weiss emphasizes the significance of celebrating small victories to reinforce positive behavior. “Give yourself some small wins so you can celebrate the fact that you’re actually making progress,” she advises. Creating smaller, weekly or monthly goals reinforces determination and motivates continued effort. The sense of accomplishment fuels motivation and prevents the resolutions from fizzling before they have a chance.