Isn’t it wild how something meant to be so positive, like New Year’s resolutions, can feel so stressful?

I think it’s because most traditional “resolutions” are built like a demolition plan: tear it down, start over, become someone new.

Clean slate mentality.

But that approach doesn’t leave much room for the things that are already working in your life. It can unintentionally erase the very thing you need most for sustainable growth: proof of how far you’ve come.

This time last year, I led a new workshop called Resolutions Reimagined. It was my way of throwing out the pressure and doing goal setting in a way that actually feels good.

It started with a different question. Not, “What do I need to change?” but, “What do I want to keep?”

Or, put another way: “What am I grateful for?”

And here’s why:

That is growth. And if you don’t name it, you can accidentally push it aside in the chase for “something new.”

The workshop followed a simple 7-Step framework called The GENIUS Approach – named after my first-ever coaching community.

If you’ve felt stuck lately, dodged goal-setting, or simply want a new way to hold this time of year, this is for you. No dramatic reinvention. Just an intentional alignment between who you are now and who you’re choosing to become.

Scroll down to complete Step 1 and practice gratitude with me today.

Then, over the next six days, I’ll share specific exercises for each of the remaining six steps. When you follow them in order, your goals are more likely to stick.

So if you feel that familiar pressure to do more, change more, or become “a clean slate” right now, I invite you to pause and reimagine what resolutions can feel like.

That’s not settling. That’s wisdom.

And I hope you’ll follow along with me.

Love,
Jay

Throughout the year, we partner with brands that support intentional living and personal growth. As we step into the New Year, we’re highlighting a few favorites that align with fresh starts, meaningful habits, and the intentions we carry forward.

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Step 1 in the GENIUS Approach is Gratitude.

As a mindset, gratitude is about shifting from “I haven’t done enough” to “I honor the progress I’ve made and the foundation I’ve built for growth.”

So, today’s practice is this:

If you’re having difficulty with that, think about what core values, beliefs, or qualities will remain unchanged as you grow into the person you aspire to be? Consider aspects of yourself you deeply value such as your compassion, creativity, or determination. What are you unwilling to change, alter, or give up?

Tomorrow, I’ll share the theory, mindset, and practice behind Step 2: Energy.

Until then, enjoy exploring your gratitude!

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This is learning built for real life, not just resumes.