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Mind Over Matter: Creating Resolutions that Really Count

Anuradha Krishnan


A new year is often seen as a chance for a fresh start—a blank slate to set new intentions and goals. Many of us create resolutions with the best of intentions, but let’s face it—how often do they truly stick? Popular goals like losing weight, saving money, or making your bed every morning may sound appealing but can sometimes feel more like fleeting ideas rather than lasting commitments.


At Project Stree, we view the start of 2025 as a meaningful opportunity for growth and transformation. To help you make the most of this new chapter, we are sharing practical tips for crafting resolutions that stick. We encourage you to consider this new year as an opportunity to grow and develop beyond the physical and materialistic goals that first come to mind. Treat this year as a chance to cultivate growth and transformation, by aligning your ambitions with purpose and thoughtfulness. Look beyond superficial goals and embrace resolutions rooted in well-being, empowerment, and connection. In a world facing pressing social, political, and environmental challenges, intentional and intellectual goals that prioritize education and advocacy are more crucial than ever. These resolutions not only drive personal growth but also empower us to contribute meaningfully to collective progress. To that end, here are our curated insights and strategies to guide your resolutions for 2025.


1. Prioritize Your Physical Health

This year, we encourage individuals to make their physical health a top priority, not just by committing to regular workouts, but by embracing a more comprehensive approach. One of the most common resolutions, yet often the hardest to maintain, is committing to physical exercise and healthier eating. The key is to focus on how these habits make you feel rather than striving for an unrealistic body standard. Think about what can boost your energy, improve your mood, and strengthen your body. Choose activities that resonate with you, and aim to include some form of movement in your daily routine. But, also remember that physical health can mean more than just exercise. It begins with tangible actions, such as scheduling your annual check-ups with your gynecologist, and dentist as well as staying up to date with essential screenings like mammograms and blood work. Preventative care plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall well-being, and these check-ups empower you to stay ahead of your healthcare needs. We urge you to take charge of your health, starting now, because without it, pursuing your other goals becomes a much harder, if not impossible, endeavor.


2. Focus on Mental Health

While maintaining your physical health is important, working on your mental health is equally as important. In this new year, think about how you can include practicing self-care, mindfulness, journaling, and even exercise into your everyday routine. Perhaps this is the moment you have been waiting for to finally commit to therapy or counseling. Think about who in your life, someone you trust and feel safe with, can help hold you accountable for regular mental health check-ins. Let 2025 be the year you set boundaries and prioritize your mental well-being so you can become more resilient and be able to face life’s challenges.


3. Advocate for Your Health Needs

We must also make resolutions to advocate for ourselves in healthcare settings. Women’s health is often overlooked in healthcare settings due to unfounded bias against women being “dramatic” and a lack of research into how diseases impact women and men differently. An important action item for the upcoming year is to educate yourself about a variety of different health conditions and treatments by reading articles from reliable sources and actively engaging in discussion with others. You need to be able to ask questions and get second opinions if needed because advocating for yourself helps promote better health outcomes for you and future generations. 


4. Share Your Story and Empower Others

Sharing your story with others is not only a form of advocacy, but can also help inspire others and create solidarity. Actionable items can include sharing your story on social media or in different support groups. If that seems uncomfortable, you can start by sharing your story with a trusted friend or family member to reduce the stigma around certain topics. Vulnerability opens the door for important conversations that can encourage and inspire those around you.


5. Support Other Women

This year, we also encourage you to commit to supporting others actively. Small gestures of kindness can make a world of difference. Reach out to a friend just to check in, volunteer for causes that uplift women, or take the time to listen and offer encouragement. Even the smallest actions—sending a text, making a meal, or offering a supportive word—can create a ripple effect that empowers others. Let this year be one where you contribute to lifting those around you.


6. Practice Self-Compassion

A key element of any meaningful resolution is recognizing that progress isn’t linear. It is okay (and honestly recommended) to adjust your goals as you go—life isn’t about perfection, it’s about growth. Allow yourself the grace to reset and realign your resolutions whenever needed. In fact, every day can be your “New Year.” There’s no need to wait until January 1st to set a new intention. Embrace flexibility and self-compassion in your journey.


7. Make Education a Priority

Learning doesn’t stop after school, and it shouldn’t be reserved for resolutions alone. In 2025, commit to expanding your knowledge—whether it is through reading more books, taking a course on a subject that excites you, or diving deeper into topics that matter to you. Educating yourself about the world around you, from social issues to personal growth, will empower you to make better decisions and advocate for positive change. As the world evolves, so should your understanding of it.


We hope this new year brings you growth and happiness and that you consider this advice when setting your goals and resolutions to make the year as successful as possible. By shifting your focus from superficial goals to ones that promote holistic well-being, advocacy, and personal growth, you can make 2025 a year of lasting change. Let this be the year where your resolutions don't just fade away—they transform you and the world around you.

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