Hey Sist✨rs!

Let’s talk about New Year’s resolutions. We make ’em, we break ’em, we repeat. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we do this year after year? Is it really about self-improvement, or is there something else going on?

Here’s the truth: New Year’s resolutions are a marketer’s dream. They tap into our desire for a fresh start, making us believe that a new calendar year means a brand new us. And they know exactly how to push our buttons.

As a mom of four young adults, I’ve seen this firsthand. When my kids were younger, I made it a point to teach them how advertisers target them. We’d watch a show on Disney, and afterward, BAM! A commercial for some shiny new toy would pop up. Or they’d see a cool gadget in a YouTube video, and suddenly, they “needed” it.

I wanted my kids to think for themselves and make informed decisions based on what they truly wanted, not what some marketer was luring them to purchase. Because let’s be honest, that buyer’s remorse is REAL. You end up beating yourself up because not only have you wasted money, but you’ve disappointed yourself again.

And guess what? This same marketing magic happens with New Year’s resolutions. Think about the ads you see everywhere in January:

Gyms and workout gear: Suddenly, everyone’s a fitness guru, promising you the “perfect body” with their program or equipment. (Don’t even get me started on how many gym outfits I have with the tags still on! This year, it’s all about cute calisthenics for me.)
Diet programs and weight loss products: They prey on our insecurities, convincing us we need to shed those holiday pounds to be happy.
Self-help books and courses: They offer quick fixes and instant transformations, playing on our desire for immediate results.
We fall for it, hook, line, and sinker. We buy the gym memberships, the fancy workout gear, the diet shakes, the self-help books – all in the name of becoming the “new us.”

But here’s the thing, Sist✨rs: real change doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t come from a shopping spree. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for self-improvement and setting goals. But let’s be mindful of the messages we’re bombarded with and the motivations behind our resolutions.

Let’s ask ourselves:

Is this goal truly mine, or am I being influenced by external pressures?
Am I focused on sustainable change, or am I looking for a quick fix?
Am I investing in myself and my well-being, or am I just buying into the hype?
This year, let’s ditch the capitalist-driven resolutions and focus on what truly matters: setting intentions that align with our values, making small, sustainable changes, and embracing the journey of growth and self-discovery.

What are your thoughts on New Year’s resolutions and the influence of capitalism? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!