Any Day, Any Season: Why Change Doesn’t Have to Wait for January 1st
The start of a new year often brings a rush of pressure. Everywhere you look, people are talking about resolutions, “fresh starts,” and reinventing themselves starting January 1st. While this energy can be motivating, it can also trigger all-or-nothing thinking: “If I don’t get it perfect from day one, I’ve already failed, or “I didn’t stick to my goal today, so I may as well forget doing it all together. At my counselling practice in Squamish, I see this pattern often. This is a very human response, but being aware of this type of thinking can help us to move toward positive change at any time of year.
When we can recognize that slips or setbacks are a normal part of being human, and even provide us opportunities for learning and growth, we can begin to live life in our values and continue to work towards the change we are looking for. Change doesn’t need to follow the calendar. Any day, week, season, or moment can be a starting point for growth.
Pressures Around “New Year, New Me”
It’s easy to feel behind or inadequate when comparing yourself to social media versions of success or to resolutions you set years ago. This mindset can keep us stuck, rather than moving forward.
Counselling approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help shift this perspective. By focusing on your values—what truly matters to you in life—you can set intentions and goals that feel meaningful rather than imposed by the calendar. For example, instead of “I must quit drinking completely by January 1st,” you might explore: “What kind of relationship with alcohol feels aligned with my health, my relationships, and my goals?”
Listening to the Parts of You
Often, we feel conflicted because different “parts” of ourselves want different things. From an Internal Family Systems (IFS) or parts work perspective, some parts may be scared of change, while others want more freedom, health, or connection.
Counselling can help you identify these parts and understand their messages. Maybe one part of you fears failure, another part craves connection, and another simply wants relief from stress. Recognizing these parts and having a dialogue with them can reduce internal conflict, clarify priorities, and make change feel possible rather than overwhelming.
Working Through What Holds Us Back
Many of us carry negative beliefs or somatic experiences—physical sensations in the body that keep us feeling stuck. Somatic therapy helps you notice these patterns, such as tightness, tension, or restlessness, and gently release them so that your mind and body can align with your intentions.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is another approach often used in Squamish counselling to process past experiences that may be sabotaging your present goals. EMDR can help reduce the emotional charge of difficult memories, making space for healthier habits, choices, and beliefs.
Why Any Time Is the Right Time
The pressure of January 1st is artificial—real change happens when you’re ready, not when a calendar tells you to start. Whether it’s mid-winter, spring, or even a random Wednesday afternoon, you can:
Reassess your values and priorities.
Notice the different parts of yourself and what they need.
Challenge unhelpful beliefs that limit your growth.
Pay attention to your body and process stuck energy.
Take one small step toward the life you want.
By approaching change this way, you can transform pressure into curiosity, fear into awareness, and hesitation into action. Counselling —whether through EMDR, parts work/IFS, somatic approaches, or addiction support—offers a structured, supportive environment to explore these steps at your own pace.
You don’t need a new year to start. Every day holds potential for growth, healing, and alignment with your values. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, consider reaching out for counselling support. Together, we can explore the parts of you that want change, process what’s been holding you back, and create sustainable steps toward a life that feels authentic and balanced.
