The Shame Spiral Is Optional

There’s nothing inherently wrong with setting goals or intentions. The problem arises when we don’t follow through on them and then shame-spiral into an abyss of self-deprecating waste. Like cardboard left out on a rainy night, we feel heavy—laden with broken promises to ourselves and unmet expectations. Feeling like a failure is no way to start the new year.

With a few minor shifts, we can reframe our setbacks as lessons and keep moving toward our values.