Oliver Stark doesn’t have to worry about breaking his New Year’s resolutions — because he doesn’t make any. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 9-1-1 star, 34, shared why he “intentionally” doesn’t set any resolutions come Jan. 1. “I am not a New Year’s resolution person — and very intentionally — not because I don’t think I [will] stick to it. I just tend to think that if there’s something I would like to change, I can do that on any random Tuesday,” he explains. “Who knows — maybe this is naive of me to say, but I think I’m pretty self-aware and make little adjustments in my life throughout the year,” Stark adds. “Maybe I should be. Maybe I’m missing a trick here, and I should set myself some big goal as Jan. 1 rolls around.”
The London-born actor has starred as firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley in 9-1-1 since the series’ premiere in January 2018. The Ryan Murphy-created show — which follows the high-pressure professional and personal lives of Los Angeles first responders — just aired its season 9 midseason premiere on Thursday, Jan. 8.
New Year’s resolutions can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, they spark hope. On the other, they can feel like promises we’re destined to break by February. But Oliver Stark, best known for his role as Evan “Buck” Buckley on 9-1-1, is flipping the script—and fans are loving it.
Instead of chasing perfection, Oliver Stark’s New Year’s resolution ideas focus on growth, balance, and staying human in an increasingly high-pressure world. His approach is refreshingly honest, deeply relatable, and surprisingly motivating. So, what exactly did the 9-1-1 star share? And why does it resonate so strongly right now?
Let’s dive deep into Oliver Stark’s mindset, his philosophy on self-improvement, and what we can all learn from his New Year’s outlook.
Who Is Oliver Stark? A Quick Look at the 9-1-1 Star
From London Roots to Hollywood Fame
Oliver Stark was born in London and trained in drama before making the leap to Hollywood. His journey wasn’t overnight success—it was built on persistence, rejection, and resilience.
Why His Voice Matters
As a lead actor on 9-1-1, Stark isn’t just a TV star. He’s a public figure with a platform, and fans often look to him for inspiration beyond the screen. When he talks about personal growth, people listen.
Oliver Stark and the Modern Meaning of New Year’s Resolutions
Why Traditional Resolutions Often Fail
Let’s be honest—how many times have you promised yourself you’d “completely change” this year? Oliver Stark believes that rigid, all-or-nothing resolutions are a setup for disappointment.
A Shift Toward Intentions, Not Pressure
Instead of strict rules, Stark leans toward intentions. Think of it like steering a ship rather than locking yourself in a cage. You’re allowed to adjust course.
Oliver Stark Shares His New Year’s Resolution Ideas
1. Focus on Consistency Over Perfection
Stark emphasizes showing up regularly rather than chasing flawless results. Miss a day? No guilt. Just keep going.
2. Prioritize Mental Health
Mental health isn’t a buzzword for Oliver Stark—it’s foundational. He openly supports therapy, reflection, and emotional check-ins.
Small Habits, Big Impact
Simple practices like journaling or limiting social media can make a massive difference over time.
Self-Growth Without Burnout: Oliver Stark’s Philosophy
Why Hustle Culture Is Overrated
Stark challenges the idea that success requires constant exhaustion. Growth, in his view, should feel sustainable—not punishing.
Listening to Your Body and Mind
He encourages tuning in. Are you tired? Rest. Are you inspired? Create. It’s about flow, not force.
Fitness Goals the Oliver Stark Way
Strength for Longevity, Not Aesthetics
While Stark is undeniably fit, his goals aren’t about chasing a look. They’re about strength, mobility, and long-term health.
Enjoyment Beats Obligation
If you hate your workout, you won’t stick with it. Stark suggests finding movement you actually enjoy—whether that’s lifting, hiking, or stretching.
Creativity as a Resolution: Staying Curious
Expanding Beyond Acting
Oliver Stark often talks about exploring creativity outside his main career. Writing, learning, and experimenting keep his mind sharp.
Why Curiosity Keeps You Young
Curiosity, he believes, is like mental oxygen. Stop learning, and you slowly stagnate.
Mindfulness and Presence in the New Year
Living in the Moment
Stark advocates for presence—being where your feet are. Not doom-scrolling. Not overthinking. Just here.
Simple Mindfulness Practices
You don’t need a mountain retreat. Even a few deep breaths can reset your nervous system.
Relationships as a Personal Resolution
Quality Over Quantity
Oliver Stark values deeper connections over wider circles. One meaningful conversation beats ten shallow ones.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re filters. Stark sees them as essential for emotional health.
Social Media, Fame, and Balance
The Double-Edged Sword of Visibility
As a public figure, Stark understands the pressure of constant online presence. His resolution ideas include stepping back when needed.
Protecting Your Peace Online
Mute, unfollow, disconnect. Stark believes your mental space is worth protecting.
Lessons Fans Can Learn from Oliver Stark’s Resolutions
You Don’t Need a Total Life Overhaul
Small shifts add up. Stark’s approach proves that growth doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective.
Progress Is Personal
Comparison kills joy. Your timeline is yours alone.
Why Oliver Stark’s Approach Resonates Right Now
A Culture Craving Authenticity
In a world of filters and fake perfection, Stark’s honesty feels like fresh air.
Real Talk in Unreal Times
With global stress levels high, his grounded perspective hits home.
How to Apply Oliver Stark’s New Year Ideas to Your Life
Start With One Intention
Pick one area—health, creativity, relationships—and gently commit.
Check In, Don’t Beat Yourself Up
Reflection beats self-criticism every time.
The Bigger Picture: Growth as a Lifestyle
Why Resolutions Should Evolve
Life changes—and so should your goals. Stark embraces flexibility as strength.
Turning Intentions Into Identity
Eventually, what you practice becomes who you are.
Oliver Stark’s Quiet Message of Hope
At its core, Oliver Stark’s New Year’s resolution mindset isn’t about achieving more—it’s about becoming more aware, more balanced, and more human. And maybe that’s the resolution we all need.
Conclusion
Oliver Stark isn’t telling anyone to reinvent their entire life overnight. Instead, he offers something far more powerful: permission to grow at your own pace. His New Year’s resolution ideas remind us that consistency beats perfection, mental health matters, and progress is rarely linear.
In a world obsessed with instant results, Oliver Stark’s approach feels like a deep breath. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the best way to start the New Year.
FAQs
1. What New Year’s resolutions did Oliver Stark talk about?
Oliver Stark focused on consistency, mental health, balance, and personal growth rather than strict or unrealistic goals.
2. Does Oliver Stark believe in traditional New Year’s resolutions?
Not really. He prefers flexible intentions over rigid resolutions that create pressure.
3. How does Oliver Stark prioritize mental health?
He supports mindfulness, therapy, self-reflection, and setting boundaries—especially with social media.
4. Why do fans relate so strongly to Oliver Stark’s ideas?
Because his approach is honest, realistic, and grounded in self-compassion rather than perfection.
5. How can fans apply Oliver Stark’s mindset to their own lives?
By starting small, staying consistent, and focusing on progress instead of guilt or comparison.
