At the start of a New Year, many of us set resolutions—to lose weight, eat better, avoid alcohol, sleep longer, move more, stress less. All worthy goals. But I’ve always believed that real transformation doesn’t begin with pressure. It begins with permission.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the greatest limitations we face are often the ones we quietly place on ourselves. We wait for approval, for validation, for the “right” moment—before we allow ourselves to take a chance, step out of our comfort zone, grow, change, or even to feel joy. So instead of asking what you will do differently this year, I invite you to ask a more powerful question:

What will you give yourself permission for?

Permission to be successful
Many people say they want success, but success can feel uncomfortable. It brings visibility, responsibility, and sometimes criticism. Early in my career, I had to give myself permission to step beyond the conventional dermatology practice and trust my desire to start a skincare company. I also gave myself permission to combine skincare with stress reduction in one of the country’s first medi-spas, as well as to sell my products directly to consumers via an infomercial. Many of my respected friends and colleagues were skeptical. “Why take the risk?” they said. “You’re a physician, not a businessman,” they said. But I persevered because I believed that success isn’t something we must earn permission for from others—it’s something we must allow ourselves to claim.

Permission to take risks
Every meaningful breakthrough in my life—whether personal or professional—has come from taking a risk. Risk doesn’t mean being reckless; it means being brave enough to move forward without guarantees. Growth takes place just outside of our comfort zone. If you’ve been waiting until you feel “ready,” consider this your reminder: readiness often comes after you begin. You learn and build confidence as you go.

Permission to be imperfect—and to try again
Mistakes are not failures; they are feedback. Yet so many people stop themselves after one misstep, believing it defines them. I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my life, and each one taught me something essential. Give yourself permission to learn, adjust, and try again. Progress is rarely linear—and that’s okay. As I often tell my patients, “Be imperfect. You’ll live longer.”

Permission to be healthy
True health is not about perfection or punishment. It’s about listening to your body, honoring its needs, and practicing self-care consistently, not occasionally. Give yourself permission to prioritize sleep, movement, nourishment, and stress management—not as luxuries, but as necessities. You don’t have to “deserve” health. You deserve it because you’re alive.

Permission to be happy
Happiness doesn’t require a future achievement or someone else’s approval. Too often, we postpone joy—I’ll be happy when I reach this goal, when I lose 10 pounds, when I can afford a new car, when I find a partner, when I have a child. But happiness is not a reward at the finish line; it’s a practice in the present. Give yourself permission to experience moments of joy now, exactly as you are.

Permission to be generous
Generosity isn’t only about giving things—it’s also about giving time, attention, compassion, understanding, and forgiveness. When we live generously, we strengthen our relationships with others and even our community. Interestingly, generosity nourishes the giver as much as the receiver, so my advice is to give freely, without keeping score.

Permission to be loved
This one is deeply personal. Many people unconsciously believe they must prove their worth before they can receive love. But love is not something you earn—it’s something you allow. Give yourself permission to receive care, kindness, and connection without suspicion or self-doubt. Give love, and allow yourself to receive love in return.

And finally, permission to say no
Saying no is not selfish; it’s self-respect. When we say yes to everything, we dilute our energy and compromise our well-being. Give yourself permission to set boundaries, protect your time, and choose what truly aligns with your values. Every no makes space for a more meaningful yes.

As this New Year begins, I hope you’ll be gentle with yourself—and bold. You don’t need anyone else’s permission to grow, heal, or thrive. The most powerful approval you will ever receive is the one you give yourself.

So ask yourself: What will I give myself permission for this year?
Then begin—confidently, imperfectly, and with compassion.

That’s #ModernWellness!

Featured Insight

Give yourself permission to…

What will you give yourself permission to do this year? As an adult, you’re the only one whose permission you need.