Five Fulfilling New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Be Able to Keep!
As I’ve grown older, I’ve begun to deeply value opportunities for reflection. When seasons change, when a new year dawns, or when life brings me to a crossroads, I like to think about where I am and where I’d like to be. And it’s in that reflection that growth happens, and I’ve found such fulfillment in making a plan to grow in ways that will bring me joy, enrich my family, or benefit others. I’ve always tried to make New Year’s Resolutions, but until I actually started to lean into reflection and pursue growth rather than perfection, I never found much success. I bet most people can relate. Now, I focus on goals that I will want to work on because I’m invested in the work I will do and in the results it will bring. Check out these five ideas for goals that anyone can word towards. I’ve included some suggestions and resources to help you make plans and get rolling!
Move Every Day
Health goals are the most common type of New Year’s resolution, and most studies show they are also the most likely to be abandoned. The problem with a lot of health goals is that they are too ambitious too quickly or they don’t address the type of growth the person actually needs. With any goal, the key is to have a plan and to build in opportunities to feel success. This is especially important with health goals. One great goal for anyone is to simply dedicate yourself to get up and move everyday. This could be a walk around the neighborhood, 10 minutes on a stationary bike or elliptical, or a morning stretch or yoga routine. And if you’re already moving, make it a goal to increase your movement in intensity or length. Or take up a hobby like hiking.
If you need some resources for your health goals, check these out:
- Nerd Fitness (site): articles, workouts, and personalized tools geared toward audiences struggling to stay invested in fitness
- Fit On (app): fitness made easy with free workouts and customized plans right on your phone
- Mighty Health (Site, App): This site /app has workout options and meal plans and more specifically for people over 50.
And here are a couple of my past posts about health to get you started if you’re interested:
Read Every Month
I really believe that reading is so good for keeping our minds sharp and our souls fulfilled. If you have never been much of a reader, make a goal to read one book a month. That’s doable even for someone who is busy. And, at the end of the year, it would be a great way to look back on the year by reflecting on the books you read. And if you are an avid reader, consider asking friends for recommendations to branch out into reading things you usually wouldn’t. I’ve decided to make this my goal this year.
If you need a more creative way to “read,” check these options out:
- Libby by Overdrive (app): if you check out ebooks from your public library, you have to have this app.
- Audible (app): in my humble opinion, this is the best app for audiobooks.
And for help finding books to add to your list, check out our Book Reviews section for everything from thrillers to historical fiction to dystopias to poetry.
Learn Something New
I think always learning is so important in life. This year, one of my resolutions is to learn to play tennis. My husband has always loved to play and now my children want to learn. I’m planning to learn right along with them. I think it will be a great way for hubby and I to spend more time together. You could decide to learn to crochet, or write in calligraphy, or write computer code, or braid your daughter’s hair in different ways. Pick something you wish you could do and make a plan!
If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out Kristi’s post Ten Great Cookbooks to Inspire You in the Kitchen.
Or, if you’d like to take up painting, check out Karen’s post Happy Hobby Time: Online Acrylic Painting Lessons.
Give Your Time
An area that is often overlooked when people make New Year’s resolutions is relationships. But the people in our lives are what make it meaningful, so investing more time in those we love is one of the best goals we can have. This kind of goal can be different for different relationships. Make a plan to take your mom to lunch once a month, visit your grandfather on Wednesdays after work, or take a vacation with an old friend. Plan a date night with your spouse every month or plan a road trip with your children where they all get to pick something they want to do. You could also set a goal to volunteer your time towards a cause you believe in, like your local animal shelter, rehab facility, or public library.
For some past posts with ideas for spending more time with your kids or your honey, check out:
Invest in Yourself
I think one of the most important resolutions we can set is to invest in ourselves. I think sometimes we pour so much into everyone else that we neglect filling our own cup. And when it comes to our own hopes for the future, we sometimes tend to think it’s “too hard,” “too selfish,” or “too late.” But anytime is a good time to make a goal to seek joy or to chase dreams. Last year, I decided to get back into theatre, something I loved but hadn’t made time for since I had children. My oldest son and I were in a production of Mary Poppins, and it was one of the highlights of 2022 for me. So this year, choose something you’ve always wanted and go after it, cut something out of your life that isn’t good for your mental heath, or find a way to practice self-care.
For some ideas for how to invest in yourself, check out
What Are Your New Year's Resolutions?
I hope this post gives you some ideas for New Year’s resolutions this year. My wish for you is to choose a goal that you will find joy in pursuing! Drop your goal below. I’d love to hear about the growth you’re seeking this year.
Have a good day!
Note: This post is property of Jamie @whatagoodday.com. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. I’m happy for you to share, but be sure to link it to this post. Thank you.
You are so right! Investing in yourself benefits everyone you come in contact with.