January comes with so much pressure — to start strong, fix what feels broken, and somehow reinvent ourselves overnight. In this episode of But the Years Are Short, Katie and Meagan talk about why that pressure feels especially heavy for parents — and why it so often backfires.

Instead of rigid resolutions, they explore the power of intentions: smaller, values-based shifts that actually fit real family life. Together, they unpack why resolutions usually fizzle by February, how perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking get in the way, and how self-compassion makes change more sustainable.

They also share practical ideas for reflecting on the past year, choosing intention words, and even creating a family intention — a simple, meaningful way to bring kids into the process without pressure or punishment.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted by New Year expectations, this episode offers a calmer, kinder way forward.

• Why New Year “reset” pressure doesn’t match real life

• The most common reasons resolutions fail by February

• Resolutions vs intentions: what’s the difference?

• How bandwidth and life season matter more than motivation

• Why self-compassion is key to sustainable change

• How intention-setting models flexibility and emotional health for kids

• Simple ways to reflect on what worked — and what drained you — last year

• How to create a family intention (without guilt or pressure)

  
  

  We created a simple 2026 Intention Worksheet to help you reflect on last year, identify what you want to keep, and choose intentions that fit your real life.

  👉 Grab the Worksheet here!