Why New Year's Resolutions Feel Stressful
In the first episode of 2026, Alyssa and Nadia tackle New Year's resolutions—though both admit the concept stresses them out. The conversation explores intention-setting, the pressure of documentation, and balancing productivity with presence.
Alyssa's resolution is simple: "be a good person." Despite finding resolutions stressful, she sets many because documenting intentions feels necessary for them to manifest. Nadia's longer list centers on one theme: not taking things too seriously. She gets caught up in work and school, forgetting to find beauty in everyday moments. Her goals focus on being more intentional, mindful, spontaneous, and present.
A vulnerable moment comes when Nadia reflects on 2025. Looking at photos on New Year's Eve made her emotional—she'd done so many fun things but hadn't appreciated them in the moment, too focused on stressful details. The beginning of the year was particularly hard with unproductive scheduling and environmental fatigue, but she became more intentional after summer.
Alyssa prefers steady year-round improvement over intense January goal-setting that fizzles out. She's planned concrete activities for 2026, including hosting a retreat in October that she hopes will become part of her career progression.
Nadia is starting MCAT prep this semester while working. She's scheduled study time in advance day-by-day, making it non-negotiable while leaving room for fun. Her MCAT books arrive the next day, with Mondays as potential off-days.
The episode ends with podcast reflections. Last semester was mostly them chatting, often about Nadia. For 2026, they want to explore topics Nadia is passionate about and bring on guests—particularly graduating friends reflecting on their college experiences and post-graduation decisions.
Takeaways
Documentation of intentions can feel necessary for manifestation, even if it creates pressure
Sometimes the simplest resolutions ("be a good person") are the most encompassing
Looking back on a year through photos can reveal joy you didn't fully appreciate in the moment
Getting caught up in stress and annoyances can prevent you from savoring experiences as they happen
The same situation can be viewed negatively or positively—perspective is a choice
Steady, year-round effort may be more sustainable than intense January goal-setting that fades
Pre-scheduling important activities (like MCAT study time) makes them non-negotiable and creates space for fun
Planning your entire semester day-by-day can help balance major responsibilities with enjoyment
Recording what you like (books, movies, experiences) helps you remember and articulate your preferences
Being too caught up in perfectionism or curated presentation can prevent authentic enjoyment
It's valuable to identify what you want to change versus what you want to keep the same
Chapters
0:10–0:32 – Introduction: First Episode of 2026
0:32–1:41 – Why New Year's Resolutions Feel Stressful
1:41–3:23 – The Superstition of Setting Intentions & Documentation
3:23–5:27 – Alyssa's Simple Resolution: Be a Good Person
5:27–7:31 – Nadia's Theme: Not Taking Things Too Seriously
7:31–8:13 – Finding Beauty Beyond the Perfect Picture
8:13–10:05 – Looking Back on 2025
10:05–11:30 – Why Alyssa Doesn't Like Setting Resolutions
11:30–12:13 – What Nadia Wants to Change vs. Keep the Same
12:13–14:24 – Planning Ahead: Alyssa's October Retreat & Nadia's MCAT Prep
14:24–15:57 – Podcast Plans for 2026: Bringing on Graduating Seniors
15:57–16:31 – Closing: Wishing Everyone Gets What They're Intending
