Is it me or is the start of a new year the same each year?
“HAPPY NEW YEAR,” my closest friends shout as a unified chorus into the night. Auld Lang Syne plays from the speakers, tugging at my heartstrings like it does every year. Champagne glasses clink, hugs are shared, and there’s this electric buzz—a new year, full of promise and possibility.
Fast forward to New Year’s Day. No alarm needed—I’m inspired, and ready to carpe diem. My sequined top from the night before hits the hamper, and I reach for a pristine pair of running shoes, still in the box. Fresh, light, ready for anything. Coffee in hand, keys in the other—I’m out the door. New year, new me. Let’s go.
Or, maybe not…
Apparently, the entire city decided to show up at the YMCA. The parking lot is a war zone. I execute a 21-point turn around someone who’s forgotten how to drive, finally park, and vow not to let this bumper-car madness defeat me.
Inside is worse. Every cardio machine is taken. I’d even attempt the stair climber—desperate times—but there’s a line of Stanley-cup-holding, matching-yoga-set-wearing girlies ahead of me. Motivation? Dwindling.
And yet… why am I surprised? This happens every year. The calendar flips, and we act like we’ve hit the “Reset” button on life itself. Gyms are packed, smoothie shops overrun, bars empty. We set ambitious, often unrealistic goals and call it reinvention.
Don’t get me wrong—I love a fresh start. I’m all for healthy living and big dreams. But I’m tired of this cycle. This annual crusade for “betterment” that fizzles out by February.
Maybe this is my Cindy-Lou Who moment—realizing there’s more to New Year’s than me. Maybe the key isn’t in lofty resolutions but in something deeper. Sustainable. Meaningful. A way to make a real difference—beyond myself—that lasts far longer than January.
THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
But where to start? Clean water, world hunger, world peace—there’s a need everywhere you look.
Here’s an idea: instead of setting another fleeting resolution, why not choose one that’s doable, impactful, and sustainable? The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a set of 17 global goals—offer a perfect place to begin.
Adopted in 2015 by all United Nations Member States, the SDGs are a worldwide call to action to tackle the biggest challenges we face, like poverty, inequality, and climate change. The best part? They’re approachable. Whether it’s reducing waste at home, supporting quality education, or championing gender equality, the SDGs offer practical, everyday ways to create real impact that lasts far beyond January.
Want to contribute to a healthier planet? Start with Goal 13: Climate Action and commit to reducing your carbon footprint. You could do this by switching to reusable bags, reducing single-use plastics, or even walking more instead of driving short distances.
Feeling drawn to supporting your community? Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities could inspire you to volunteer locally. Consider volunteering for a community clean-up or supporting local businesses.
Are you a passionate foodie, like me? In 2025, I plan to focus on Goal 2: Zero Hunger and take actionable steps to waste less food and support local farmers. Maybe that means more diligent meal planning and shopping more frequently at farmer’s markets.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals website makes it easy to find a goal that speaks to you. It’s clear, user-friendly, and full of ideas to get started—no lofty jargon, I promise. Take 10 minutes to scroll through and pick a resolution that inspires you. You might just find the perfect “new year, better world” challenge for you.
Let’s face it, we’re probably not solving world peace this year, but we can definitely start by wasting less food or ditching plastic straws. Baby steps to global greatness, right? The beauty of the SDGs is that there’s a goal for everyone—big or small, local or global. Imagine starting 2025 not with a gym membership you’ll abandon, but with a resolution that benefits the world around you. Now that’s a fresh start worth sticking to.
