Just Ride the Wave

Resolutions are a choice, not a requirement

My birthday is on New Year’s Eve, so January 1st always hits a little differently for me.

For most, the day after a birthday is a chance for quiet reflection. But for me, it’s like a double dose of expectations—birthday and New Year’s combined.

The world seems to collectively shout, “What’s next, Karin? How will you remake yourself? How will you make this year count?”

But of course life doesn’t magically change just because the calendar flips.

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New Year, New Season

This year brings a new season of milestones and transitions.

My daughter is preparing to graduate high school and begin her college journey, while my son transitions from middle school to high school. My husband and I are balancing these changes alongside the responsibilities of supporting aging parents and managing our own careers. It’s a lot, and honestly, trying to control every detail just isn’t realistic—or healthy.

That’s why I’m going to be taking a different approach this year, inspired by something I’ve always loved watching: surfers.

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My daughter, about 10 years ago

The Surfer’s Mindset

Surfers don’t expect to ride every wave perfectly or avoid wipeouts. They prepare for what they can—waxing their boards, suiting up for the cold—but they know the ocean is unpredictable.

The magic isn’t in controlling the waves; it’s in showing up, paddling out, adjusting to the conditions, and riding what comes.

Life, like the ocean, will always bring new waves—some will lift you up, and others will knock you flat.

The key to reducing your own suffering isn’t striving for perfection; it’s learning to adapt, to paddle out anyway, and to stay focused on what truly matters.

Or as Bruce Lee once said, “Be water, my friend.”

So this year, I’m letting go of the need for perfect goals or rigid plans—and embracing a go with the flow mindset instead.

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Small Waves, Big Progress

Another lesson from surfing is that progress doesn’t have to be dramatic.

Surfers aim to improve a little at a time—1% better with each wave. They don’t fight the ocean; they vibe with it, making the most of what each wave offers.

So that’s how I’m approaching my goal setting this year: not with big, sweeping gestures, but with small, steady shifts that will allow me to go with the flow:

• Walk 1% more this week.

• Add 1% more laughter to our family dinners.

• Reach out to 1% more connections this year.

• Leave 1% more margin in my daily schedule for unexpected opportunities.

The "1% more" approach emphasizes progress over perfection, creating space for both flexibility and meaningful momentum.

It’s also a way to avoid that crazy pressure around changing everything with a New Year’s resolution.

This year, I’m shifting my focus away from perfection and toward presence —I want to show up, adapt and find joy in the ride.

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How About You?

What big waves are rolling into your life this year?

• Are you making space for what’s coming, or trying to squeeze more things into an already full life?

• Can you carve out even a little space on your calendar for something unexpected?

• Can you embrace the "1% more" mindset instead of striving for 100% improved?

• Who can you lean on to help you navigate the big swells and find your balance?

• How can you insert a little more “go with the flow” into your life?

Remember, resolutions are a choice, not a requirement. Even 1% is progress.

Catch you later—Surf’s up!

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Can’t get this song from The Backyardigans out of my head.

Image credit: Nick Jr.

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Thanks for reading.

Elastic Life is a bunch of sporadic dispatches about life and work—sprinkled with reflections on leadership, caregiving, ADHD, adulthood, motherhood, and more. It’s a hybrid of the personal and professional, meant to inspire connections and care.

Karin McGrath Dunn
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