Why I Skipped a New Year’s Resolution (and Started a Stitching Habit Instead)

Instead of a traditional New Year’s resolution, I tried something different this year: a small experiment. About a month ago, I committed to stitch at least 10 minutes a day. No pressure, no grand promises—just ten minutes.

The best part? I was already stitching almost daily, so it was easy to implement. And I quickly discovered that once you commit to this habit, you start finding more pockets of time to make it happen.

All the projects I (finally) finished this past month

Tiny Wins Add Up

Knowing I wanted to stitch, I looked forward to it and made sure to set a little time aside. Most days, those ten minutes naturally turned into longer sessions. On busier days, or evenings with activities, I carried a small project in my bag, stitching whenever I had a tiny pocket of downtime.

During the holiday season, I even stitched while chatting with family or on the road with my husband driving us to the next destination. And if I’m in an online class or a meeting where I don’t need to take notes, turning off the camera and picking up my project became another perfect opportunity.

How I Made It Stick

Here’s what worked for me:

• Set a simple goal: Ten minutes a day is achievable.

• Anchor the habit: Do it at the same time every day if possible—after the kids are asleep, during a podcast, or before bed.

• Keep it portable: A small project in your bag lets you stitch anywhere, instead of grabbing your phone and doomscrolling, you will start reaching for your needlepoint project.

• Make it automatic: If your schedule is unpredictable, associate sitting down with picking up your project instead of your phone.

• Celebrate progress: Even tiny stitches feel satisfying when done consistently.

Why It Feels So Good

Even after just a month, I’ve noticed real benefits:

• Calm and mindfulness: Focusing on stitching gives my mind a break.

• Stress relief: A mini mental reset during or after busy days.

• Joy and accomplishment: Watching my work grow, even a little, feels amazing.

• Screen-free moments: Replacing doomscrolling with something for my well-being.

  
  

Science shows that small daily rituals—even ten minutes of a “mindless” activity—can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost mood. Tiny, consistent actions really do make a difference.

My New Year’s Habit

So, my New Year’s resolution this year? I don`t have one, what I do have, is a habit that I actually want to keep: stitching at least 10 minutes every day for the entire year.

Why? Because it feels good, clears my mind, and is a simple, joyful way to care for myself—even in short pockets of time.

Instead of stressing over a big resolution, try a small, daily habit that brings you joy. For me, it’s stitching. For you? Maybe reading, drawing, walking, or a quiet cup of tea. Start tiny, and watch how it changes your year.