Self-Actualization in Place of New Year’s Resolutions

Every New Year is an opportunity to start fresh, to reinvent ourselves, reconcile conflicts, walk a more enlightened path, and generally become the best version of ourselves.

Significantly, the Year of the Fire Horse in Chinese astrology is characterized as energetic, free-spirited, taking giant leaps, having an incessant will for movement and originality, and marked by strong individual will.

You may feel compelled to finally carry out major plans you have been setting aside for years, or even impulsively make promises you are uncertain you can fulfill.

But hold your horses. Like the horse itself, this is a time to be original and to heed the call toward self-actualization rather than clinging to almost mythical New Year’s resolutions.

According to pioneering psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we reach Self-Actualization or our fullest potential only after fulfilling our basic needs, such as nourishment, shelter and security, as well as our psychological needs, including relationships and meaningful accomplishments.

Therefore, if we are to sustain a self-actualized state, we must first consciously value our basic and psychological needs.

One practical way to do this is to clearly identify our essential needs and intentions, everything that truly matters in our daily lives: sufficient nourishment and fresh water, quality sleep and comfort, clean air, a steady income, suitable clothing and footwear, exercise, a fulfilling job, travel, and the ability to care for family, friends and loved ones.

Once we have laid these out, we can plan our day realistically, in alignment with our fundamental needs. This is particularly effective when done before bedtime, when our mind and body are in a state of completion and openness.

Afterward, take a moment to review your schedule and check whether all your needs for the day are reflected in it. If certain needs do not fit, simply plot them into the following day. In this way, we honor our time and presence instead of treating our daily needs as mundane or secondary.

At the end of the day, scan your list again, recognize what gave you a rewarding sense of fulfillment, and note what remains unfinished. You can then refine your plan and plot the next day’s schedule, incorporating any pre-planned events or commitments.

To deepen this practice, you might introduce morning journaling, particularly the practice of writing freely without filtering your thoughts. This approach, popularized by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way as “Morning Pages,” helps unclog mental and emotional blockages while supporting creative clarity.

Integrating silent walks, meditation, or a rejuvenating sport into your routine further supports self-actualization, as these practices help release limiting thoughts and restore balance.

For more long-term goals such as starting a business, quitting smoking, investing in property, losing weight, or crafting a major plan, an hour before bedtime is an ideal time for reflection and strategy. The mind is more relaxed and receptive to fresh insight at this hour.

You can approach this with a simple prompt. For example, if your goal is to quit smoking, you might ask yourself: “I want to keep my lungs clean. How do I do that?” You could begin by acknowledging: “I feel good when I breathe clearly. I can run faster and taste food better.” Continue this inner dialogue until you feel satisfied with your insights, then thank yourself and rest.

Many successful people practice this habit to optimize their daily lives and move steadily toward self-actualization. I have followed this practice for years, and it consistently brings a deep sense of self-appreciation and fulfillment while allowing me to track my progress over time.

Why not try this self-actualizing habit yourself? It is a simple yet powerful practice that can keep you fresh, productive and inspired throughout 2026 and beyond.