With so much out there about goal-setting for the new year, it can all seem a little overhyped and overwhelming. On one hand, January 1st (especially of a new decade!) is an opportunity for a fresh start and reason to set goals and intentions for the upcoming year. But on the other hand, we can feel pressured to make major changes, dwell on what we didn’t accomplish last year, or write down a New Year’s resolution only to do absolutely nothing about it.
I’m sharing my thoughts this year on the whole resolutions thing. For more on how I chose 2019’s resolutions, check out my mid-year check-in post.
Some thoughts on New Year’s resolutions
There’s a lot of advice out there, but here is what I think you should keep in mind while reflecting back on 2019 (or the 2010s) and looking ahead to the new year and decade.
Don’t choose goals just because everyone else is.
Picking and sharing New Year’s resolutions is crazy popular. But making a list of goals like everyone else and then not having the drive to make them happen could leave you feeling like a failure for no reason. Remember your why. Yes, your why and what you want out of this coming year.
Be realistic in your hopes for the start of the year.
I’m all about big dreams. I believe we all can build any life we desire. But another way to end up feeling like a failure a couple weeks or months into the new year is to set overambitious timelines for your goals. Changing many habits at once just isn’t sustainable. Going from eating Taco Bell every weekend and never moving your body to a completely clean diet and 5am gym sessions fives times a week is extremely difficult to maintain. You may be more successful phasing in the changes rather than flipping a switch on January first.
There are many different kinds of resolutions.
Your New Year’s resolutions can be a specific list of things you’re going to check off this year. Or they can be broader changes in mindset or habits. Or you could choose a Word of the Year to guide your intentions. There are countless ways to set goals or your outlook on a new year. Do what’s best for you in this season! Last year, I used the phrase “I’m the type of person that…” to write my list of resolutions for 2019. Those statements helped me pick goals throughout the year by guiding me towards values and ideas.
Plan for success and go do it.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
What actual steps do you need to take to make these New Year’s resolutions happen? Can you break it down into mini goals to hit throughout the year and keep you motivated? Figure out some action items and go get after it!
Resources I Recommend
There’s TONS of content out right now about New Year’s resolutions and goal setting, but I want to guide you to some valuable advice. Sarah Adler from Simple Real Health shared her end of year rituals and intention setting that I admire. As always, Rachel and Dave Hollis at the Hollis Co have great content for finishing (and starting) the year strong, especially via their Start Today brand. Carly-Ann Dell shared some great perspectives in her Crazy Over Easy podcast episode this week. Another good podcast episode is Laura Tremaine’s 10 Things To Tell You bonus episode this week. My cousin also shares good advice in her Instagram post today. This Self Magazine article helps explain why little changes are the way to go and more advice.
My 2019 Highlights
-Hugh moved to Michigan to be with me
-Ate and drank our way through Lisbon and Barcelona
-Made new friends (by stepping out of my comfort zone)
–Maintained older friendships both in Michigan and KC/St Louis
-Turned 25 and discovered blondes have more fun
-Made many memories with my family at the Cottage
-Said “goodbye” to my childhood home
-Started this blog
-Improved my relationship with food
-Explored SE Michigan and made it feel like home
-Booked our wedding and got engaged!
My 2020 Focus
I’m still figuring out what exactly my New Year’s resolutions are going to be, but I know what I’m going to focus on. I’m going to think less about “should” and more about what I want.
What’s YOUR resolution for 2020?
I’d love to hear what you’re proud of from 2019 and what you’re going to focus on in the new year! Comment below! Happy New Year!
