Why Your New Year Resolutions Don't Work (and What Will Help You) - By Kevin Yee-Chan
The Gregorian New Year is filled with buzz, but let’s be real: what’s up with the timing of it? As a somatic practitioner that values the wisdom of body and land, there is not much that either body or land indicate as being worthwhile of so much fanfare on midnight of January 1st.
Arbitrary as the date may be within the scope of our natural bodies + lands, it’s valuable to recognize that westernized culture that carries a swell of energy and focus in this moment… and take it with that proverbial grain of salt. How many times will you hear about intentions or resolutions? Many, I’m sure. And how many of those will manifest in reality? A small fraction.
In Chinese medicine, this deep winter time of the Gregorian New Year in the northern hemisphere is like the depths of the ocean: filled with unknown life and wisdom. This is a time to dive deep into restful curiosity. Reflect inward through journaling or a form of meditative art practice. Ask all the questions. Take warm baths. Gather softly with your community. Observe what comes in quietude + embody the wisdom of non-doing.
In the southern hemisphere, this time of year is peak summer. It’s the ideal time for joy that is cultivated through external connection. Prance, dance, express… enjoy the act of basking.
I’m not here to yuck your yum. If [Gregorian] New Year Resolutions work for you, I’d love to know the what and why behind it. Tell your your perspective!
But the fact is, when you align honestly with the energetic seasons of nature, now is not the time in which you’ll be most supported to make or manifest resolutions. When it comes to manifesting wisely, why not do it when the time is ripe? Why not make it easier for yourself?
Lunar New Year is February 17, 2026.
The Energetic New Year is March 20, 2026.
If you want to be pragmatic, efficient, and in good relationship with your natural environment, these are the moments to be manifesting. If you want to werk smarter instead of harder, consider the following -
In the northern hemisphere, February 17 - March 20 is end of winter.
Yang energy will start emerging, stimulating your deep-seeded impulse of growth and direction.
This is when you make resolutions.
In the southern hemisphere, February 17- March 20 is late summer.
Fruits ripen and abundant harvests nourish + ground you.
This is when you manifest resolutions.
Resolutions are a process, not a moment. And while January 1 may not be the moment to make or manifest them, the time will come.
For now, Happy 2026.
May you rest deeply + connect joyfully right now, wherever you are.
Let’s gather soon knowing that the rhythms of the moon, sun, earth… the rhythms of our bodies hold a wisdom worth listening to.
With care,
Kevin