Radical Openness for the New Year!

Every January, millions of people make resolutions that sound a lot like this:

  • “Be more productive.”
  • “Stick to a strict routine.”
  • “Control my eating/spending/time better.”

Sound familiar?

If you tend toward perfectionism, rule-following, or emotional inhibition, these kinds of resolutions might feel natural—but also exhausting. That’s where Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) offers a breath of fresh air. Instead of trying to tighten up, RO-DBT invites us to loosen up—to get curious, take social-emotional risks, and embrace the vulnerability that comes with being truly seen.

So this year, try flipping the script. Let’s make resolutions that focus on openness, flexibility, and joyful connection.

🎭 1. Be More Weird (On Purpose)

Traditional Resolution: “Be more professional/perfect/polished.”
RO-DBT Reframe: “Take more social-emotional risks—show my quirky, real self.”

Overcontrolled individuals often fear being judged or rejected, so they mask their true personality. RO-DBT teaches that expressing our uniqueness (even awkwardly!) builds real connection.

Resolution Idea:
Once a week, do something a little out of character on purpose—crack a silly joke, share an embarrassing story, or wear something that breaks your usual style rules. Let people see the real, imperfect, vibrant you.

🎲 2. Break a Rule (That Doesn’t Serve You)

Traditional Resolution: “Stick to my routines no matter what.”
RO-DBT Reframe: “Challenge one rigid rule I follow that might be limiting me.”

People with overcontrolled coping styles often have unspoken “shoulds” that govern everything—from how to load the dishwasher to how emotions should be expressed.

Resolution Idea:
Pick one internal rule that creates stress (e.g., “I must always be early,” or “I can’t relax until everything’s done”) and break it once a week—gently, playfully, mindfully.

💬 3. Speak Honestly (Even If It Feels Risky)

Traditional Resolution: “Keep the peace and avoid confrontation.”
RO-DBT Reframe: “Practice radical openness by sharing how I really feel.”

In RO-DBT, radical openness means being willing to share truths—not just opinions. This means expressing real feelings, preferences, or disappointments instead of bottling them up.

Resolution Idea:
Once a week, express something honest and vulnerable to someone close. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—it could be as simple as, “I’ve been feeling lonely lately,” or “I actually don’t love that restaurant.”

🌀 4. Let Go of the Plan (and Roll With It)

Traditional Resolution: “Stick to my schedule.”
RO-DBT Reframe: “Practice flexibility when life doesn’t go as planned.”

Overcontrolled folks often find comfort in planning—but life is messy, and growth lives in the unplanned. RO-DBT encourages us to approach change with curiosity, not fear.

Resolution Idea:
Create space each week for spontaneity. Say yes to a last-minute invite. Try something new without researching it first. Let someone else make the plan. Notice the discomfort—and do it anyway.

🫶 5. Make Time for Playful Connection

Traditional Resolution: “Strengthen relationships by being more helpful or responsible.”
RO-DBT Reframe: “Nurture connection through shared joy, not just duty.”

People high in overcontrol often focus on being useful, which can accidentally make relationships feel transactional. RO-DBT teaches that play, laughter, and mutual weirdness are the glue of true connection.

Resolution Idea:
Schedule one lighthearted social interaction each week. Watch a silly movie with a friend. Play a game. Dance around the kitchen. Laugh on purpose. Let go of the need to be productive in every interaction.

🌱 Final Thoughts: The Most Radical Resolution of All

In a world that praises hustle, control, and perfection, the most radical thing you can do is let yourself be real.

RO-DBT reminds us that authentic connection requires courage, playfulness, and openness to feedback. So this year, instead of striving to be better, try being braver. Not in the “face your fears” kind of way—but in the “show up as your whole self” kind of way.

Because maybe, just maybe, that’s the version of you the world’s been waiting to meet.

Want to learn more about starting RO-DBT? We have programs commencing four times a year in February, April, July and October. Our individual therapists can usually see you within a week of your initial contact.

You can get in contact with our team via email to intake@dbtclinics.com or go to our appointments page for more options at https://dbtclinics.com/appointments/