Scrolling through TikTok these last few weeks, I’ve watched a wave of videos encouraging a “2026 rebrand.” These videos advertise new skin care routines, hyper-curated vision board creations or strict adherence to aesthetic lifestyle habits, all promising a renovated version of ourselves in 2026. 

I’ll admit, I place substantial value on New Year’s resolutions. I feel uplifted by the clean slate of a new calendar year as the perfect time to start fulfilling my goals. Therefore, I always produce vision boards and map out every habit I hope to tweak — and yes, I did that heading into 2026. 

This year has already been defined as a year of transformation from past trends: the “new 2016,” with the re-emergence of songs by artists such as Zara Larsson or Calvin Harris — who released popular music that year — have already left a mark on popular culture. With a year already implying drastic transformation, it’s no surprise that there is a broader mobilization to reinvent ourselves alongside it.

We’re all on a collective track to be the best version of ourselves, but how do we know what this version entails when we blindly succumb to social media posts? 

Social media profits off uniformity, not authenticity. Influencers identify areas that are profitable to the largest number of individuals as a basis for creative content. I’ve seen videos encouraging manicures and blowouts as tips to appear more confident. However, these rebrand videos are not intended to benefit others but rather to gain views. 

We don’t need a rebrand; we need to identify our imperfections and devise realistic solutions. The nuisance doesn’t reside in resolutions: Resolutions, in theory, are dreams translated into action, pushing individuals to be the best versions of themselves. Living in Los Angeles, we are taught to pursue our dreams in a city with unlimited opportunities. 

However, unrealistic goals only prevent prospective growth. False hope syndrome occurs when overconfidence fuels the setting of unrealistic goals, most often during dieting, intense exercise and, especially, the New Year. This psychological phenomenon is one of the most prominent reasons individuals fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions: When goals are not attained, the resolutions are immediately abandoned, and the cycle restarts the subsequent year.  

Reportedly, around 62% of those making resolutions feel pressured to do so; thus, publicizing resolutions only intensifies peer-fueled intimidation. 

Once resolutions are in place, the pressure shifts from “I want to change” to “I have to prove I’m changing.” There is no goal too small; yet the opposite — creating unrealistic, impersonal goals can have unintended and harmful effects. 

The most detrimental yet unexpected notion is that promoting an annual rebrand paints our past selves as failures. I can admit I have some unhealthy habits: I’m a serial procrastinator and struggle with deadlines. My immediate goal, rather than clinging to a vague “stop procrastinating” mantra, would be to identify strategies to address this habit, such as starting assignments as soon as they are released. 

The intent rarely leaves room for that nuance; too often it has to be a snappy one-line fix. It’s disheartening to see the level of internal negativity that precedes each New Year. I should not have to feel ashamed of my achievements in 2025 to desire a transformation in 2026. While I have habits I am working to mitigate, I am proud of the accomplishments and growth I’ve achieved this past year. 

My resolutions as a student at USC differ from those of an influencer aiming to maximize their audience. I can still incorporate healthy habits that everyone would benefit from, such as daily exercise or leisure reading, while also focusing on what I need to fix for myself, not for others. 

Begin by focusing on your biggest area for improvement. Pursuing smaller, yet tangible goals builds momentum toward success. At USC, students feel academic pressure daily; yet personalized changes hold more value than blindly promoted online statements. What is a small change for some is life-changing for others. 

You do not need to abruptly change your persona to be the best version of yourself. Before constructing vision boards for 2026, all curated with drastic changes, reflect on your several successes in 2025, no matter how small. 

Don’t wait for a New Year to become the best version of yourself. Push past the need for a calendar reset and start today.