Some are tormented by the pressure to choose a New Year’s resolution, daunted by the prospect of following through, and haunted by guilt when life catches up with us, leaving our aspirations unrealized.

I say it’s unreasonable and unsustainable to make new, challenging demands of ourselves each year without also deciding how to give ourselves a break.
So, in response to the New Year’s resolution, I propose the New Year’s diminution! 

The Oxford Dictionary defines diminution as a “reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something.”
A New Year’s diminution is as simple as its resolute counterpart, but a lot easier to achieve; it’s a decision to worry less about something that worrying hasn’t helped with in the past.
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Here are questions to ask when choosing a New Year’s diminution:

• How can I slow down this year?

• How can I relax?

• What can I de-prioritize to relieve stress while avoiding major consequences?

• What can I indulge in regularly without going overboard?

• Who can I forgive (including myself)?

• Which of my current goals or standards is outdated or unrealistic?

• What replenishing activities have I forgotten, but could start up again?
(Think back to childhood if necessary.)

• What (or who) have I been taking responsibility for that isn’t really my burden to carry
(or just isn’t rewarding anymore)?
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• What could balance out the stress of achieving my New Year’s resolution?

You get the idea. :)
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Don't fall into the trap of expecting to take on more and more each year without limits. 
As we grow, improve ourselves, and move onto bigger and better things, it’s okay—and probably necessary for our health and sanity—to clear out the clutter of expectations we’ve accumulated, especially when we’re adding more to the pile.

Finally, if any New Year’s resolution at all feels like a bit much this year, that’s alright! 
I encourage adopting a New Year’s diminution all by itself. 
Sustainability matters (and counts as self-improvement, all on its own)!