Why You Should Set New Year’s Resolutions in the Spring

Did you set New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of this year? Many of us do. Most resolutions last only a week or two. Some are abandoned a little later, but generally, by March, our resolutions are long gone and largely forgotten.

Part of the reason for this could be that the first of January is one of the worst possible times of year to start something new … especially if that “something new” has to do with eating less food or exercising more. Throughout January (in the Northern Hemisphere), the nights are long and dark and the days are cold. Traditionally, January was a time to rest, be quiet, sleep more, and hibernate, like so many of the plants and animals around us do at this time. It was not a time for extreme diets and exercise!

Springtime New Year Celebrations

Many cultures around the world start the new year in the spring. In ancient Rome, March was the beginning of the new year, the month that held the spring equinox (March 21). The month was named after the God of War, Mars, because it was at this time when the world would warm up and the fighting season could begin again. February, incidentally, was named after Februalia, a monthlong festival of cleansing and atoning to prepare for this new year.

Nowruz is the Persian new year, beginning on the spring equinox. Lunar New Year, which is celebrated in many East Asian communities, aligns with the second new moon after the winter solstice, often in late January or early February. It’s by this time that the days start to feel a little longer, and a few early spring flowers might have even bloomed. The week before the Lunar New Year, it is traditional to clean one’s house to sweep out the energy of the last year and prepare for the new.

Making Changes with the Cycles of Nature

Whatever your traditions, we can still work with the natural cycles of the world around us to let go of the old and make space for the new. Every new moon represents a new beginning, and the waxing moon can support us in building our work and intentions. When the sun is growing stronger and the days grow longer throughout the spring, we naturally feel a shift—a little more energy, a little more desire to be outside, and more motivation to get things done and make changes in our lives. What if we spent the dark half of the year resting, clearing, atoning, and preparing, and waited to make all our changes until a spring new moon?

The lunar cycle is a mini version of the larger solar cycle. The new moon corresponds to winter: a time to rest, dream, recover, and feel. The waxing moon corresponds to spring: a time to take action and let energy grow. Full moon and summer are times to pause and check in with where we are at, harvest the good, and let go of the not so good. During fall and the waning moon, we reflect and integrate, preparing for another rest phase.

This longer, lunar approach to change can feel surprisingly easy. Our bodies naturally want to rest during the dark phases of the sun and moon, and when the light begins to grow, so does our energy and determination. If your New Year’s resolutions are lost to the bitter winter winds, here are some ideas to reclaim the energy and intention of a New Year’s resolution for the spring:

1. Check In with Your Resolutions

What did you want to change back in January? Why did you want to make that change? Have you stuck with it at all? If so, how’s that going? If not, why not?

Consider whether or not those resolutions still make sense for where you are in your life. Would you like to pick them back up now, or has the situation changed?

2. Consider New Goals as You Emerge from Winter

What has winter been like for you this year? Are there any ideas, hopes, or dreams that you’ve been gestating, holding onto? What do you really want?

What actions feel reasonable for you to do in alignment with what you really want—the desires underneath the resolutions?

3. Do a Spring Sweep

Before you make big changes, do some cleanup. This can be literal, as with spring cleaning your home. It can also be emotional—taking some time to process losses, integrate changes, and let go of things you need to release. This process will make it feel much easier to take the next step.

4. Choose a Time to Make Your Changes

Spring equinox, a spring new moon, or perhaps a date in the spring that has some personal significance to you—these would all be good choices for a new beginning. Before you start, get clear on what steps you’ll take to make the changes. What do you need to do to prepare for this new beginning?

5. Go For It!

Do the thing! Commit to these new actions throughout the springtime. On the summer solstice, pause and ask yourself how it’s going. Think about whether it’s working for you. Keep the aspects that are working well and consider letting go of the parts that aren’t working so well. See how it feels to work with goals in this way. Do you like it? Have you found it any easier than previous New Year’s resolutions?

When fall arrives again, let yourself slow down. Move more towards integration and processing the changes you’ve made. Allow the cycle to begin anew.

What is the spiritual meaning of the spring equinox?