The Case for a Slow January
Why I think we should all start the new year with some ease
Happy New Year! Okay, wait. I know it’s February 1st, don’t worry. But for me, it’s the start of my year, so I get to say Happy New Year.
Let me explain.
In the last few years, I made an unofficial promise to myself not to set any goals for the year in January. This was after years of already having my word for the year by January 1 and my list of goals laid out hastily, only to scrap them two weeks into the year because they weren’t things I actually wanted to do anyway. I also found myself forcing inspiration and creativity even when my body was clearly communicating, “Tobi, we need to take a break.”
I have experienced burnout a couple of times, but the most memorable was in 2019 when I was back home in Lagos for a fashion week contract role. I had been balancing that with my ultra demanding full time fashion role in New York. Something you’ll learn about me is that I’m always working an ultra demanding job, no matter how much I try not to. Anyway, I was home for just a week to lead the management of the biggest fashion week in Africa, and I broke down.
I was supposed to be on my way to a dress fitting for our fashion week launch dinner. I tried to find a pair of jeans in my suitcase, couldn’t find them, and I got so tired that I laid down on the floor of my bedroom and didn’t move. I sent a cancellation text from the floor and stayed there the rest of the day. Phew. It was rough.
Soon after that came Covid, when we were all forced to slow down even if we didn’t feel like it. From then on, I really started thinking about what rest was and how to make time for it before my body demanded it. One of the first things I decided to change was how I approached January, the very first month of the year.
What if I eased the pressure and took that month slowly? What would that mean?
Something important to point out is that what works for someone else doesn’t need to work for another person. Around the holidays, I see a lot of posts about people complaining about being bored, tired of watching TV, and ready to get back into the swing of things. By January 1st, they’re ready to go. That is not the case for me.
If you don’t know, December in Nigeria, where I spend the holidays, is a nonstop social season. You attend multiple parties, weddings, and family gatherings. And that book you brought on the trip that you promised yourself you would read? Yeah, you won’t. Trust me, I know. I brought three books and didn’t read a single one. Not even on the plane.
So by the time January 1st rolls around, I am exhausted and badly in need of recovery mode. Forget goals, I’m just trying to get some sleep. I won’t change that month for anything. After being in the States all year and away from my loved ones, I love being reunited with my community in my home country and just having a good time. But because of that, I need January to be no goals please.
When you go against the grain and choose to listen to yourself and take the time you need to ease into the year, you’re better able to hear yourself and make decisions that actually make sense for you.
It’s also a reminder that you can still reach your goals even when you take a break. In fact, taking breaks is necessary if you want to reach them.
I spent January reflecting, watching a lot of TV, thinking, brainstorming, and slowly imagining what I wanted 2026 to look like for me. Now that it’s finally February, I feel more ready to kick the year off, while keeping in mind that I can always reset at any point and change my mind.
So when January rolls around again, I dare you to take the month off and see what comes up for you. A slow January might be the difference you’ve been looking for.
My name is Tobi and I create content for women navigating life with intention and designing their lives with purpose. Follow me on Instagram or Subscribe on YouTube for more :)