It’s that time of year again—when resolutions return, bringing pressure, guilt, and fleeting motivation. We promise to lose weight, save money, read more, and somehow live an ideal version of life that rarely lasts past February. If you’ve ever felt stuck in this cycle, you’re not alone.
Years ago—over 20 years ago, to be exact—a dear friend shared something with me that completely shifted my perspective. She told me she had decided to ditch resolutions entirely and encouraged me to do the same. Instead of setting rigid goals, she said it was far better to focus on one simple idea throughout the year: “Surprise yourself.”
Those two words stuck with me. They became a quiet reminder in moments of doubt, a nudge when I wasn’t sure what to do next. Should I take the leap? Should I try something new? Should I go for it, even when it feels scary? Well, maybe I should just surprise myself.
Why Resolutions Fail—and Surprises Succeed
And the truth is, the numbers don’t lie:
- Every year, 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions.
- By the end of January, nearly a quarter have already given up.
- By December, only 9% are still sticking to their goals.
Why is it so hard? Because resolutions are often rigid and unforgiving: “I’ll go to the gym five days a week.” “I’ll cut out caffeine entirely.” But then life happens. One missed day feels like failure, and suddenly, what was once motivating becomes a burden.
That’s where Surprise Yourself changes the game.
Surprising yourself isn’t about chasing perfection or hitting one specific milestone. It’s about being open to doing something unexpected—something that reminds you of your strength, creativity, and courage. It shifts the focus from pressure to possibility.
What It Means to Surprise Yourself
For me, it’s simple: When I’m at a crossroads or unsure of what to do, I ask myself, What would surprise me right now? The answer often nudges me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.
Surprising yourself could mean:
- Trying something completely different, like signing up for a painting class or joining a running group.
- Saying “yes” to opportunities you’d normally turn down—like a last-minute trip or that big, slightly scary work project.
- Speaking up when you’d usually stay quiet.
- Taking care of yourself in ways you haven’t before—maybe by booking a spa day, finally starting therapy, or simply making rest a priority.
- Redefining success on your terms—whether that’s growing in your career, making more time for family, or choosing joy over busyness.
The beauty of this approach? It’s personal. Surprising yourself doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or massive changes. It’s about staying open to moments of wonder, bravery, and growth—whatever that looks like for you.
How to Live by “Surprise Yourself” in 2025
Here are four ways you can embrace this mindset:
1. When in Doubt, Ask the Question. Big decision or small? Take a moment, breathe, and ask: What if I surprised myself? You might just discover a direction you didn’t expect.
2. Stay Open to Possibility. Resolutions close doors. Surprises open them. Give yourself permission to explore new things without fear of failure or judgment.
3. Take One Bold Step—Even If It’s Small. Surprises don’t have to be big. Maybe it’s taking a different route to work, grabbing lunch with someone new, or sharing that idea you’ve been holding back at the office.
4. Celebrate the Surprises as They Happen. When you do something you didn’t expect—when you show up for yourself in a new way—pause and celebrate it. You’re proving to yourself just how capable you are, and that’s worth acknowledging.
Why It Matters
After over 20 years of living with this mantra, here’s what I’ve learned: The best parts of life happen when we step into the unknown.
When we let go of rigid expectations and simply surprise ourselves, we create space for experiences, achievements, and moments we didn’t even know were possible Self-discovery in the New Year.
It’s not about perfection. It’s not about chasing every goal. It’s about waking up to the excitement of life and realizing that you are capable of more than you think.
So, this year, let’s ditch the resolutions. Instead:
- Surprise yourself by dreaming a little bigger.
- Surprise yourself by trying something new.
- Surprise yourself by believing you’re worth the leap.
The moments when you “go for it” might become the ones you’re most proud of.
How are you planning to break free from the resolution cycle and embrace surprises in 2025? Let’s inspire each other—drop your thoughts in the comments!
Let’s embrace surprises in 2025! #SurpriseYourself #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #NewYear2025 #LifeLessons
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