The Pressure of New Year’s Resolutions

January is the month of fresh starts. Planners are purchased, gym memberships spike, and the collective mindset seems to echo the sentiment: “This will be my year.” Yet, for many, the enthusiasm quickly fizzles out. By mid-month, resolutions start to falter, and the cold, dark days of winter settle in, sapping motivation. So, is January productivity just a well-marketed myth?

The pressure to be productive in January stems from societal obsession with self-improvement. New Year’s resolutions fuel this mindset, encouraging us to turn the page and hit the ground running. But the reality is more nuanced.

Winter Blues and the Productivity Trap

First, let’s talk about the weather. For those in colder climates, January is often synonymous with gloomy skies and freezing temperatures. This can take a toll on mental health, making it harder to muster the energy needed for ambitious goals. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real, and it can turn even the simplest tasks into monumental struggles. Combine this with the post-holiday slump, and January starts to feel less like a fresh start and more like a month-long hangover.

Then there’s the fact that January often lacks structure. After the whirlwind of December’s festivities, returning to the routine can feel jarring. For those who work in industries that slow down after the holidays, the lack of urgency can lead to procrastination. Productivity thrives on momentum, and January’s stop-start energy makes it hard to sustain.

Rethinking Productivity for January

But not all hope is lost. Productivity in January is possible—it just requires a shift in expectations. Instead of treating January as a time to conquer massive goals, it’s better to approach it as a planning and recalibration period. Use the month to assess where you are and where you want to go. Focus on small, manageable tasks that build a foundation for the rest of the year.

Take inspiration from the Scandinavian concept of “lagom,” which translates to “just the right amount.” January doesn’t need to be about extremes—whether that’s extreme ambition or extreme laziness. Instead, aim for balance. Celebrate small wins, like organizing your workspace, setting achievable goals, or simply surviving the winter blues.

Embracing the Long Game

Ultimately, the idea that January productivity is a myth comes down to perspective. It’s not that people can’t be productive in January—it’s that the societal pressure to transform into a superhuman version of yourself often sets unrealistic expectations. Instead of chasing the January dream, embrace a more grounded approach. Productivity isn’t about sprinting out of the gate; it’s about pacing yourself for the marathon ahead.