At a Glance
- James Van Der Beek rejects January goal-setting, calling the timing unnatural
- The actor, 48, says he’ll wait for spring after his stage 3 cancer diagnosis
- 80,000 Instagram users liked his post supporting “hibernation” over gym memberships
- Why it matters: His message reframes self-care for anyone feeling pressure to overhaul life mid-winter
James Van Der Beek is ditching New Year’s resolutions-at least until the flowers bloom. In a video posted Thursday, Jan. 15, the Dawson’s Creek alum argued that launching ambitious goals during winter defies nature’s rhythms, urging followers to embrace rest instead.
Winter Isn’t for Willpower, Van Der Beek Says
Speaking straight to camera, the 48-year-old asked, “Anybody else out there finding that your New Year’s resolutions are impossible to keep?” He answered his own question: “I don’t think it’s your fault. I think it makes total sense.”
Van Der Beek pointed to hibernating animals and migratory birds as evidence that the season is designed for recovery, not reinvention. He criticized the Gregorian calendar for starting the year on Jan. 1, insisting the vernal equinox in March is the logical moment for fresh starts.
Key points from his video:
- Animals hibernate; humans should honor similar downtime
- Spring brings blooms, warmth, and returning birds-signals of renewal
- March, not January, deserves the “new year” label
“Why are we celebrating new beginnings at a time when nature rests?” he queried. “I’m gonna take the winter to recover, to rest and I’m gonna make New Year’s resolutions in the spring. Who’s with me?”
Caption Rallies Nearly 80,000 Supporters
His caption doubled down on the theme, noting shorter days and longer nights create perfect conditions for “cocooning, eating stew, snuggling and sleeping.” He questioned the marketing push for gym memberships during the coldest weeks of the year.
The post collected almost 80,000 likes and hundreds of comments echoing the sentiment. Fans praised both his outlook and his appearance, with messages such as “Looking good” and “Looking healthy and strong brother.”
Health Update After Gaunt Reunion Appearance
Supportive remarks on his look arrive months after viewers expressed concern during September’s pre-recorded Dawson’s Creek reunion. At that time, Van Der Beek appeared noticeably thinner, prompting speculation about his wellbeing.
Appearing on the Today show Dec. 19, he clarified that significant weight loss stemmed from a stomach virus, not directly from cancer treatment. “No, it was not cancer-related,” he said. “Although with cancer everything’s like, ‘Why don’t we super-size that stomach virus?'”
Stage 3 Cancer Diagnosis Revealed
In November 2024, Van Der Beek confirmed to News Of Los Angeles that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023 and had undergone private treatment before going public. He described the emotional challenge of navigating uncertainty.
“The trickiest thing is there are so many unknowns with cancer,” he explained. “You think, ‘How do I fix this? Is this healing me? Is this hurting me? Is this working? Is it coming back?’ As someone who likes answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things.”
Despite the ongoing battle, he reported improved energy and a hopeful outlook. “I’m very cautiously optimistic,” he said. “I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great. I have a lot to live for.”
Social Media Rallying Cry
Van Der Beek closed his Instagram appeal with a blunt invitation to join his seasonal slowdown: “I’m gonna say screw it… Who’s with me?” The response suggests thousands are ready to trade treadmills for tea and blankets until the first spring buds appear.
