Unmotivated January

Unmotivated January

Did you know that January 9th is often referred to as National Quitters Day?

It’s the point when most people—about nine days in—give up on their New Year’s resolutions.

I recently posted about this on my social media account, #WorkoutWithWiwahine, and it sparked a lot of reflection. For those of us who regularly go to the gym, there’s a small silver lining (it suddenly becomes less crowded). But instead of framing this moment as failure, I think January deserves a little more compassion—and a different perspective.

What If We Just Start?

Rather than making a grand, perfectly structured plan, what if we simply start?

Not with what everyone tells you that you should do—but with what you will actually do.

Movement doesn’t have to look one specific way. Find something you genuinely enjoy—something that keeps both your body and mind engaged—and commit to it for 21 days. Research shows that three weeks is often enough to build a habit.

For me, the gym has never been the issue—I love it. But lately, I’ve added indoor pickleball to my routine, and I’m having so much fun. That joy matters. Consistency comes from enjoyment, not obligation.

This isn’t about doing what’s trending.
It’s about doing what fits your life.

Why January Feels So Hard

So let’s talk about the real question: why do so many people feel unmotivated in January?

Think back to November and December for a moment.
How stressful were they?

Between holidays, year-end deadlines, budgets, family obligations, travel, winter weather (for some of us), and the pressure to wrap everything up neatly—it’s a lot. Personally and professionally, this season can be exhausting. By the time January arrives, many of us are already burned out.

I know I am.

By mid-January, I’m often over winter, over new goals, over deadlines, budgets, and the pressure to feel “refreshed” just because the calendar flipped. Some years, the last thing I want to do is start something new and force myself to follow it through.

How I’m Regrouping This January

Instead of pushing harder, I chose to reset more intentionally:

I’m going on a beach vacation—necessary for me, not indulgent

I created a more dynamic, flexible workout schedule I can actually stick to

I “re-nested” my condo with small changes, refreshed spaces, and new energy

I focused on adding supportive habits instead of overhauling my entire life

I gave myself permission to slow down and reset—without guilt

Staying motivated in the new year doesn’t require perfection.

Sometimes it requires rest.
Sometimes it requires a change of environment.
Sometimes it simply means lowering the bar enough that you can step over it—rather than freezing in place.

A Gentle Reminder

The most important thing to remember is this:

It’s okay.

You are not behind.
You are not failing.
You are experiencing a very real post-holiday slump—one that many of us share.

There’s a quote by James Clear that feels especially fitting for January:

“Just start. Start slow if you have to. Start small if you have to. Start privately if you have to.
Just start.”

January doesn’t have to be about crushing goals.

Sometimes, it’s just about showing up—gently, imperfectly, and honestly.

And that is more than enough.