Omo, as I sit down to take a moment to myself, I’m feeling all the emotions. It’s January 2026, and I’m having a date with my new year resolutions, or should I say, my past year resolutions. Abeg, make I tell you, I’ve got mixed feelings.
In 2023, I was fresh out of school, and I was determined to take on the world. My three goals for the year were simple: to graduate, learn a new skill, and become more outgoing. I remember telling myself that I needed to adapt an extrovert lifestyle because of the course I studied. I wanted to be confident, bold, and fearless. But, did I achieve any of these goals? Well, I graduated, yes, but the other two goals? Ehhh, not really.
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I tried, though. I took a few online courses, but I didn’t really stick to them. I attended some events, but I was always hiding behind my phone. I wanted to be like those confident girls who walk into a room and own it, but it wasn’t me. At least, not yet.
Fast forward to 2024, and my resolutions had changed. This time, I wanted to get a job in my field and become a red carpet goddess. I wanted to slay the game and make my family proud. But, how did I do? Okay, I got a job, but that red carpet goddess thing? Still working on it, abeg!
I remember going for job interviews, and I was so nervous. I wanted to make a good impression, but I felt like I wasn’t good enough. I compared myself to others, and I felt like I was lacking. But, I didn’t give up. I kept pushing, and eventually, I got the job.
Now, in 2025, I had new goals. I wanted to learn a computer skill, fine-tune my voice, and build a brand. I was determined to take my career to the next level and become a boss lady. But, have I been able to keep my promises? Hmm, let’s just say I’m still on the journey.
I’ve started taking online courses, and I’m learning so much. I’ve even started working on my own business idea, and it’s exciting. But, it’s not easy. There are days when I feel like giving up, when I feel like I’m not good enough. But, I remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I’m not going to become a boss lady overnight.
As I reflect on my past resolutions, I realize that I’ve been guilty of making promises I couldn’t keep. I’ve been lazy, unfocused, and easily distracted. But, it’s not too late to make a change. As my people say, “It’s better late than never, abi?”
As a Nigerian woman, I know how hard it is to balance culture, family expectations, and personal goals. But, I also know that I have the power to take control of my life and make my dreams happen. So, I’m making a new promise to myself. I’m promising to be more intentional, more focused, and more disciplined. I’m promising to prioritize my goals and make time for what matters.
To my fellow self Damilola, let’s make a pact to keep our promises to ourselves. Let’s make 2026 the year we become the best versions of ourselves. We can do it, Insha Allah!