When we think of New Year resolutions, most people picture big goals like starting a business, buying a phone or laptop, renting an apartment, or mastering a new skill. And while all these are valid, I want to remind you that resolutions don’t always have to be grand or expensive to be meaningful.

Take mine, for example. My resolution for 2024 wasn’t about buying anything or ticking off major milestones. It was simple: "to be happy." I wanted to do things that made me genuinely happy, and to start working on my communication skills, which I’ve always struggled with.

I’m someone who connects better face-to-face than over texts or calls. I can talk for hours in person, but once it’s a phone or message, the spark disappears. So I wanted to push myself to be more present, even when it’s uncomfortable. And while I didn’t become perfect at it, I’d rate myself a 6.5 out of 10. That’s progress I’m proud of.

This year, I also allowed myself to try things I once thought were off-limits— from experimenting with bold makeup looks to exploring acting, from finally getting that pair of loafers I’d been hyping for so long, to wearing press-on nails even if it raised some eyebrows in my very Christian home. All of it was me choosing joy, in small and personal ways.

Of course, there were mistakes too, especially financially. In the name of “treating myself,” I made some poor money decisions that I’m still paying for. But even that taught me something: happiness without balance isn’t sustainable.

So as you think about 2025 and what your resolution might be, don’t feel pressured to come up with a huge list. Maybe your goal is simply to build self-confidence, or to speak up more. Maybe it’s to be more financially disciplined, or to let yourself rest. Maybe it’s just to be happy and that alone is enough.

New Year resolutions don’t have to be loud. Sometimes, the quiet ones are the most powerful.