New Year, New Ideas

With the start of each new year comes the tried-and-true concept of “resolutions.” While I love setting goals and intentions for the year, the word "resolution" doesn’t sit quite right with me. It often feels like it comes with unnecessary pressure and negativity. Of course, everyone hopes to be healthier or happier, but resolutions can become overwhelming when they’re all tackled at once.

Did you know that around 80% of people abandon their resolutions within the first few weeks of the new year? No one wants to feel like they’re failing before January even ends. That’s why I think we need a new approach—one that’s less about rigid resolutions and more about small, meaningful changes and fresh ideas.

If you’re thinking about making big changes in 2025, I highly recommend reading Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. These two books contain everything you need to know about building better habits and achieving your goals. Instead of giving you a to-do list to kickstart your year, I want to share a different perspective:

My “New Year, New Ideas”

Here are some of my personal goals and ideas for 2025:

Publishing Goals: I hope to publish two new Ella Bella books and one new T-Rex and Tuck book. Expanding these worlds and characters is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I can’t wait to share more stories with all of you.
Local Outreach: By the end of the year, I would love to see my books in at least two Nebraska children’s boutiques. Moving to Omaha has opened up new opportunities, and I’m excited to connect with local businesses and families.
Philanthropy: Last year, my “buy a book, give a book” program allowed me to donate 175 paperback books to local children. That’s a number I’m so grateful for, but I believe there’s even more potential to give back. I’m brainstorming new ways to be philanthropic through my books.

One Small Step

I hope my story, books, and blog inspire anyone reading them to believe that anything is possible if you try. Big changes don’t happen overnight; they happen with one small step at a time. Even standing still keeps you stuck in the same place. And “failing”? That’s just part of the journey—it teaches you what doesn’t work so you can get closer to what does.

So here’s my challenge to you: take one step toward something you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe it’s writing and publishing your own book or signing up for that 5k you’ve always thought about running. Whatever it is, you can do it. I believe in you.

Cheers to a fantastic start to 2025! What are some of your “New Year, New Ideas”?

Have a great weekend and an incredible start to the year. As always, happy reading.

– Katie Marie