It's the start of a new year, and the world around us is singing the message that we must improve. Be better. Optimise ourselves. Become someone new.

And it's true that prioritising your wellbeing and growth is important. But when it comes to setting intentions, it's important to remember...

You are already enough, just as you are.

Like you I set myself new resolutions for 2026: practice my breathing exercises several times per week, do some cardio exercise 2/3 times per week, resume tango dancing classes, give more yoga classes and organise new yoga workshops, make time for myself!

Of course, the vast majority of the time, these pledges are swept into the dustbin of noble intentions after just a few weeks because life has a way to derail us from our intentions and because we are humans.

Sure, I have followed through on some resolutions here and there. But the only way to truly reify them is to make them subconscious involuntary behaviours. While I have adopted many good habits, I don’t pretend to wear one.

However, here’s the point. It’s vitally important for one’s self-esteem to have one resolution that you can categorically and confidently keep. And if I can keep one promise to myself, just maybe I can keep another.

Tip #1: Pick one resolution you absolutely know that you can keep

Now, you may justifiably aspire to greater achievements than exercise daily. But beware! The moment you begin to walk the path of liberation, the instant that you align your works and actions with your highest principles … you will be tested.

The Hindus and the Buddhists have curious insight here. When you attempt to step out of the bhavachakra, the karmic wheel, the endless cycle of death and rebirth known as samsara governed by the laws of cosmic retribution and cause and effect, when you do this … you are almost immediately tested.

Maybe you’ve adopted a plant-focused, low-glycemic diet. You’re on an intermittent fasting protocol. You’re even braving cold showers. Good for you! You’ve made it two full-days with no sugar. But, of course, you’re also on the treadmill and your body need an energy source. In the absence of glucose, your body starts breaking down fat.

But, wait, you feel unwell. Well, it turns out that toxins are lipophilic. Concomitant with the breakdown of adipocytes, toxins are being released into your bloodstream. Your virtue and discipline are making you feel temporarily awful. These are the side effects of detoxing and can be very unpleasant.

Of course, if you just stick with it and walk in the footsteps of your highest self then you will overcome these obstacles. But know this … you will be tested! So hang in there and don't over aim.

Tip #2: Know that you will be almost immediately tested - and have a plan

2026 just might be the year you quit drinking once and for all. The increasingly brutal hangovers outweigh the fleeting release of inhibitions that alcohol can elicit. But take heed. You never want to quit drinking for an entire year because, if you make this claim, the devil will know that he has 365 days to tempt you back to the bottle.

You want to practice yoga or meditation every day for at least 10min but then you become ill with the flu and your routine stops abruptly for a few weeks. How about starting with 2 or 3 practices per week and see how it goes? Maybe even reduce it to 5 minutes each time? Any practice of any length of time will benefit you anyway so start small.

Be realistic and instead of promising yourself to practice yoga or meditation every day of the year, keep to your resolution one day at a time. And for every week you succeed, your self-esteem will increase too.

Tip #3: Take your resolutions one day at a time

The dispositive piece of advice here is written into many popular methods and traditions. Whatever you seek to instantiate into your life must be accomplished one day at a time. Don't beat yourself up if you cannot keep to your resolutions every day of the year or the whole year. There is something to learn from these mishaps and you can reajust them as the year goes on. Don't be rigid with yourself, life is not linear and it will always throws at us obstacles to get through and over with because that's LIFE!

I hope these resolution hacks serve you well. And, if you trip and fall, get back up. Seven times down, eight times up. That is life.

The window of free will may be barely cracked, but you do have some agency over where you focus your attention moment to moment. And, with every new moment, there is a resurrection, a renewed opportunity to align yourself with your highest principles.

Last, it’s never too late to turn your life around. And it doesn't have to be in Januray. You can make new resolutions and adapt them any time of the year. The most important is the realisation that we can all improve our life, behaviour towards ourself and others. Self-consciousness and introspection are the most important aspects here.

Whatever it is you want to manifest, if the intention can exist in your heart and mind, it has already arrived. Whichever version of yourself you step into this year, I hope you are able to meet them with care and kindness.

I already think you're pretty perfect, by the way.

Wishing you all a very Happy 2026!

Namaste

Christel

PS: you can practice Vinyasa and Yin yoga with me online and in studio near Saint-Gaudens (Haute-Garonne). And if you are too far way from me and/or on a different time zone, you can practice with me on my YouTubeChannel here