Setting New Year’s Resolutions and Goals That Stick
The start of a new year feels like a chance for a fresh start. The possibilities are endless, and there is a feeling of optimism in the air. It’s no wonder that setting New Year’s resolutions has become a tradition. But why is this the perfect time to set resolutions? And how do you set resolutions that truly stick? In this post, we’ll explore the significance of setting New Year’s resolutions or your New Year’s goals and provide a list of 50 creative resolution ideas to get you started.
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How Big Should a New Year’s Resolution Be?
Resolutions can be big or small. What’s essential is that they are meaningful to you. Some people prefer to set one overarching resolution for the entire year, while others see the value in setting smaller resolutions for each month, quarter, or season.
There is no right or wrong answer regarding how big your New Year’s Resolution should be. However, the really important thing is to make it realistic.
I mean, sure, creating a vision board of people 200 pounds less than you who are at a healthier weight or setting a goal of exercising every day this year while your current days of exercise per week are zero… might just be setting yourself up for failure.
So how do you set a realistic goal?
How to Tackle Big New Year’s Resolutions
If you really want to achieve something big like the examples above, you might want to break your goals into smaller increments.
For example:
if you have 50 pounds to lose to be at a healthy weight and want to lose it all this year figure out how much (approximately, weight loss is not a linear journey) you need to lose every 3 months or even every month to reach that goal.
From there decide if that is a good idea and how you will go about making the necessary changes to hit those monthly or quarterly goals.
Can a New Year’s Goal Be Too Big?
Absolutely. In fact, this is the biggest reason most people give up on their New Year’s Resolutions after a month.
So please, don’t set something too big.
For example:
you don’t NEED to go to the gym every day. In fact, it’s not the most productive way to work out. Your body needs rest to continue muscle growth.
So maybe setting a smaller goal like, “I will go to the gym 3 times a week by March,” might set you up for success. DON’T wait until the middle of February to try out the gym. With a goal like this start with going once a week. Then increase until you are at 3 days a week.
Then when March rolls around you can either set a new goal or maybe decide you love this balanced amount and keep it there.
RELATED: How to Be a Happier Mom
One Word for the New Year
Have you ever heard of a New Year’s Word? Sometimes it’s called “One Word for the New Year” or “One Word Resolutions.”
Some people choose to adopt a positive word to aspire to achieve or be in the coming year. Sort of like setting your intentions at the beginning of your yoga class… except for the entire year.
A lot of people tire of not reaching their New Year’s goals and giving up shortly after the year has begun. So they find it a better approach to set a one-word intention for the year.
Examples are joy, patience, frugality, adventure, or peace.
This word will serve as a guide throughout the year, reminding you of what you want to achieve and what’s most important to you.
50 Perfect New Year’s Resolution Ideas
If you need further inspiration, here is a list of 50 New Year’s resolution ideas to help you get started:
- Learn a new language.
- Start journaling. (You can use a pretty blank journal to track your thoughts, doodle, or write poems, get a bullet journal to stay more organized in all aspects, or try a daily mindset journal with prompts.)
- Read more books.
- Take up a new hobby.
- Quit smoking.
- Get more sleep.
- Practice daily affirmations.
- Take a financial planning course.
- Volunteer regularly.
- Create a budget.
- Find a workout routine that works for you. (There are quite a few routines in the workouts section of my blog but my favorite app to use for sustained workout success at home is Bodi. The amount of options that can fit any level of fitness or mindset I find really amazing.)
- Spend more time with family and friends.
- Get organized.
- Try meditation. (Once again, this is one I do through the Bodi app. It REALLY helped me overcome weaknesses.)
- Start a blog.
- Learn a new skill.
- Practice mindfulness.
- Take a social media detox.
- Drink more water.
- Go to bed earlier.
- Take a cooking class.
- Eat more vegetables.
- Get a promotion at work.
- Find a new job.
- Go on a solo trip.
- Start a gratitude journal.
- Make new friends.
- Learn to play an instrument.
- Spend less time watching TV.
- Start a side hustle.
- Take up gardening.
- Plan a date night once a week.
- Attend a new cultural event once a month.
- Learn to code.
- Start a daily yoga practice.
- Learn to dance.
- Call an old friend once a week.
- Stop procrastinating.
- Experiment with new recipes.
- Take up photography.
- Learn to sew.
- Spend more time in nature.
- Take up painting.
- Learn to knit.
- Listen to more audiobooks.
- Quit sugar.
- Try intermittent fasting.
- Try a new form of exercise.
- Find a mentor.
- Embrace a positive mindset.
Wrapping Up 50 New Year’s Resolution Ideas and How to Set Them
Setting New Year’s resolutions can be a powerful tool for personal growth, no matter how big or small. The key is to choose resolutions that are meaningful to you and to approach them with a spirit of optimism and openness.
Set a realistic goal. Whether you choose to set one big resolution for the entire year, smaller resolutions for each month, a resolution for each quarter, or a word to inspire you throughout the year, the important thing is to take action toward personal growth and development.
So, take inspiration from the list of 50 resolution ideas we have shared and start this year with a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.
