New Year's Coming: What Would I Do If I Were You?

New Year's Coming: What Would I Do If I Were You?

New Year 2026's nearly here. Any minute now, people will be banging on about their resolutions all over social media. The truth is, a "fresh start" is mostly bollocks – Wednesday's no different from Tuesday, is it? But for loads of people, 1st January feels like pressing the reset button. A moment to step back, take stock, and think about the big stuff before getting stuck back into the daily grind.

If I put myself in different people's shoes, here's how I'd tackle 2026 – as a student, someone earning for the family, a housewife, and someone who's retired.

Every Day's a Fresh Start – New Year Just Gives You a Nudge

Here's what it might look like for different people.

Quick Word on New Year Resolutions

Some people say, "Why wait till 1st January? Every morning's a new chance."

Fair point. Life gets messy, things go wrong.

A New Year resolution isn't magic – it's just a little reminder to have another go.

If I Were at School

My New Year plan would be:

I'll take my studies seriously, but I won't slag myself off if I mess up.

I'll actually try to understand stuff instead of just cramming for exams.

I'll spend less time on my phone and more time doing things that matter.

I'll be nicer to myself and stop comparing my life to everyone else's.

Short version in card:

"Learn a bit more, have a laugh."

"Be kind, stay curious, be ready."

If I Were Earning for the Family

My New Year plan would be:

I'll work hard but I won't run myself into the ground.

I'll handle money better – put a bit away, waste less.

I'll actually spend time with my family, not just earn for them.

I'll look after my health, because if I get ill, everything falls apart.

Short version in card:

"Work with a point, live with balance."

"Save today, relax tonight."

If I Were Running a Home

My New Year plan would be:

I'll look after the house, but I'll look after myself too.

I won't feel bad for having a rest when I'm knackered.

I'll learn something new – even if it's just small.

I'll value what I do, even though nobody pays me for it.

Because running a home is proper work. End of.

Short version in card:

"Look after others, look after yourself."

"Patience keeps things peaceful."

If I Were Retired

My New Year plan would be:

I'll enjoy life at my own speed, no pressure.

I'll keep my body and brain ticking over, even with simple stuff.

I'll spend time with family, mates, or hobbies I'd pushed aside.

I'll share what I know, but I won't ram advice down people's throats.

Retirement isn't the end – it's just a quieter bit.

Short version in card:

"Stay active, stay cheerful, stay grateful."

"Share what you know, spread a bit of warmth."

Final Thought

Whether you make a New Year resolution or not, one thing counts:

Don't give up on starting again.

If today was rubbish, have another crack tomorrow.

That's a fresh start too. Simple as that.