It's a big fat lie. It's all designed to make you feel like you aren't enough, and I'm sick of it. So, I’m officially giving you permission to skip the New Year’s resolutions this year.

Usually, this is the time of year when we’re bombarded with messages about "New Year, New You" and "Crushing Your Goals." But if you’re anything like me, you’ve noticed a pattern. We set these huge, lofty goals on January 1st, and by the time International Quitters Day rolls around on January 14th, we’re already feeling like we’ve failed.

But what if the problem isn’t your willpower? What if the problem is the resolution itself?

The Resolution Trap

We’ve all been there. We decide that 2026 is the year we’ll "become a pro belly dancer" or "practice shimmying for an hour every single morning."

The issue is that resolutions are often just a firm decision to do, or not do, something, without any of the "how" or "why" attached. They’re usually born out of a feeling that we aren’t "enough" as we are right now. We set resolutions that are rigid, unrealistic, and frankly, a bit boring. When you tell yourself you must do something every day, it turns a joy, like dance, into just another chore on your to-do list. And let’s be honest, life is busy enough without adding more "shoulds" to the pile.

Why Resolutions Don't Stick

There are a few reasons why these big goals usually end up gathering dust by February.

First, they often lack a plan. Saying "I want to be more flexible" is great, but do you have the time in your schedule to stretch? Do you even like stretching?

Second, resolutions often ignore who you actually are. If you’re a night owl who loves the social energy of a troupe rehearsal, setting a resolution to do solo drills at 6:00 AM is a recipe for disappointment. You’re setting yourself up to "fail" at something that didn't even suit your lifestyle in the first place. In the world of belly dance, we talk a lot about "struggling properly"—finding the challenge in a movement but keeping the joy. Resolutions often skip the joy and go straight to the struggle.

The Power of Being True to Yourself

So, if I don't want you to set resolutions, what do I want for you in 2026? I want you to commit to being true to yourself.

Instead of trying to "fix" yourself or change yourself into a version of a dancer you saw on Instagram, what if you focused on what actually makes you feel alive? Being true to yourself means acknowledging where you are right now and moving from that place. It means choosing the movements that feel good in your body today, rather than forcing a Turkish Drop because you think you "should" be able to do it. When you are authentic to your own rhythm and your own needs, you don't need a resolution to keep you going—the enjoyment of the process does that for you.

How to Navigate 2026 Without a List

You might be wondering, "But Amanda, if I don't have a goal, how will I improve?"

Instead of a resolution, try an intention. An intention is an aim or a plan that has room for real life to happen.

• Resolution: "I will master the layered shimmy by March."

• Intention: "I want to explore how my hips move and attend my weekly dance class because it makes me feel powerful."

See the difference? One is a pass/fail test; the other is an invitation to experience something wonderful. My intention for my classes in 2026 is to provide a space where you can explore how strong your body is, regardless of your size or "fitness" level.

I want you to spend 2026 nourishing your soul with music, connecting with your community, and having a whole lot of the "F" word... FUN! If you focus on being true to yourself, you’ll find that the "results" happen naturally, without the New Year's stress.

So, put down the "New Year, New You" checklist. You’re already really awesome. Let’s just focus on being you in this year.