Why I Don't Set New Year's Resolutions (And What I Do Instead)

29th Jumada-II 1446H

Assalamu'alaikum,

You might be feeling the pressure to set New Year's resolutions, with all the "New Year, New Me" posts, and countless productivity gurus selling you their "foolproof" goal-setting systems for 2025.

But what if I told you that this entire approach to goal-setting is not aligned with our spiritual system of planning? What if our obsession with New Year's resolutions is just another symptom of how we've let the mechanical clock, and the Gregorian calendar colonize our relationship with time itself?

Let me explain.

Think about it: Why January 1st? What's so special about this arbitrary date that the world collectively decided it's the perfect time to transform our lives? The truth is, there's nothing inherently meaningful about this date except that it's when the Gregorian calendar happens to reset its counter.

This brings me to why I don't set New Year's resolutions, and more importantly, what I do instead.

There are 2 issues I have with setting new year’s resolutions:

1. It ignores our spiritual rhythms of renewal

Allah SWT has blessed us with spiritual cycles of renewal – the daily cycle marked by the five daily prayers, the weekly cycle marked by Friday prayers, the monthly cycle marked by the moon waxing and waning (and fasting 3 days of each month), and the annual cycle marked by the Hijri calendar. When we force our goal-setting into the artificial construct of the Gregorian calendar, we disconnect from these divine rhythms.

2. It focuses on achievement over intention

Traditional resolution-setting is deeply rooted in hustle culture's obsession with achievement. "I will lose 20 pounds." "I will get that promotion." "I will start a business." Notice how these resolutions focus entirely on outcomes while ignoring the spiritual dimension of our actions.

So what's the alternative?

Instead of setting New Year's resolutions, I invite you to consider a different approach – one that combines the wisdom of our Islamic tradition with a more natural, organic approach to personal growth.

1. Set Intentions, Not Goals

Goals focus on ‘what’ you’ll achieve. But intentions focus on the why. And the more your focus on the why, the more you’ll be adaptable to the what. For example, if my intention is to keep my body healthy so I can serve Allah SWT better. Then this intention will drive many life choices such as eating healthier, exercising more often, and being conscious of what my body needs to thrive. This will naturally lead me to achieve ‘goals’ such as losing weight or getting more fit. And more importantly, this intention will last longer especially if it’s sincere for Allah SWT, far beyond the 2-3 months excitement of a new goal.

2. Think Like a Gardener, Not a Factory Worker

Instead of treating life goals like items on a production line (achieve X by Y date), approach them like a gardener. A gardener doesn't force a seed to grow faster by checking their watch or setting deadlines. They understand seasons, focus on creating the right conditions, and most importantly, they detach from the outcomes while working hard. This means that you won’t feel like a failure, just because you ‘failed’ to write that book in 6 months (even though you had extreme personal circumstances that prevented you from writing). More importantly, this also means that you’ll push yourself and work hard and try to keep writing despite your circumstances without the pressure of hitting a certain deadline.

3. Align with the Hijri Calendar

I normally set my annual intentions around Ramadan. I chose this month because it’s when I’m in a better spiritual state and there’s less influence of shaytaan and my lower nafs. This isn't just about being different – it's about aligning our growth with a calendar that Allah SWT chose for the Ummah. When we align our planning with Divine time, we tap into the spiritual energy of such sacred times (if you want to join me in my next annual intention setting, click here to register your interest).

Interested in Learning More?

If this approach resonates with you, come join me for the “Annual Intentions Masterclass" that I hold each Ramadan. In this program, we'll help you

• Set high himmah intentions for your life

• Appreciate your season of life and what that means for your high himmah intentions

• Setup processes that help you make progress towards your intentions

• Practical tools for aligning your annual intentions with the Hijri calendar

Remember, true transformation doesn't happen because a calendar tells us it's time. It happens when we make tawbah (repentance) to Allah SWT for our past mistakes, and set sincere intentions to live according to how Allah SWT wants us to live, including aligning our time management and calendar management with the system Allah has set for us.

Let's make 1446H the year we reclaim our relationship with time itself.

Sincerely,