New Year, Fresh Intentions: Why Change Often Starts in January and How Coaching Can Help You Stick to It

Well, that’s January done and dusted. A month filled with good intentions, new goals, and often, grey skies and chilly evenings. After the hustle of December, January offers a natural slowdown — a time when many people reflect, set New Year’s resolutions, and try to reset their habits. From dry January to detoxes, from fitness goals to personal development plans, it’s a time for change.

As a creative life coach, I often see this pattern unfold. My gym is packed in early January with new faces taking advantage of discounted memberships. But by the end of the month, many have vanished. The same goes for the burst of energy that comes with big intentions — they often fade before they truly take root. So what makes the difference? Why do some people sustain change, while others fall off track?

I see this in my coaching clients all the time. Some are laser-focused and committed to their transformation. Others genuinely try, but struggle to maintain momentum. There’s no shame in this — we’re all wired differently. And the truth is, sustainable change doesn’t come from willpower alone. It comes from clarity, creativity, and support.

I know this firsthand. I didn’t become a regular gym-goer until my mid-40s, when I finally committed — not because of a resolution, but because of burnout. At the time, I was in a demanding leadership role, constantly busy and completely disconnected from my own wellbeing. One day, I drove straight over a roundabout without stopping — a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore. I saw my GP, who signed me off work and told me to rest.

That period changed my life. I started walking, noticing the world again — birdsong, reflections, the simple joy of being present. That’s when I learned: wellbeing is non-negotiable. What’s the point of success if you’re not truly here to enjoy it?

It wasn’t a perfect, linear journey. But that’s the beauty of personal growth — it’s not about sticking to a rigid plan. It’s about building a life that feels good from the inside out. Whether your path is yoga, journaling, mindfulness, creative expression, or simply learning to slow down, the key is finding your thing — and allowing it to anchor you.

If you’re feeling stuck or ready for change but don’t know where to start, that’s where creative coaching can make a real difference. I help people reconnect with their creativity, their intuition, and their values so they can make meaningful changes — and actually stick with them.

So, what’s your “thing”? And if you don’t have one yet, what would it be if you were ready to make that change?

Let’s explore it together. Visit my contact page if you’re ready to start your journey with a creative life coach who gets it. Sustainable change is possible — and it starts with a single step.