6 Creative Alternatives to Creating a New Year’s Resolution

The countdown the annual avalanche of “New Year’s resolution” guilt is on, drowning us in a tidal wave of “shoulda” “coulda” and “have-tos.” We vow to conquer Everest before breakfast, sculpt Instagram-worthy physiques, and become productivity ninjas, only to find ourselves face-planting into February with resolutions crumpled like confetti underfoot. At least, that is me each year.

For me, I genuinely think of it as a great way to have a fresh start and many of you likely do as well. However, it’s mind boggling to me why we feel as though new year’s day is the day we can all quit a bad habit, create new goals and some super specific goals. Though we have good intentions, we create these grand resolutions but it’s really not an achievable goal to reach.

But this year, I plan to rewrite the script. No more crash diets and guilt trips! Instead, let’s craft New Year’s resolutions that feel less like pressure cookers and more like cozy fireplaces – warm, meaningful, and something we actually want to snuggle up with. That’s right, it’s time to ditch the goals and embrace a revolution that whispers from within.

My past year resolutions were more along the lines of weight loss, a desire for better physical health and mental health (thanks, COVID). I wanted to minimize my to-do list, create a few new routines in my life and find enough time to be alone. As a single parent who works full time, even though I work from home for the most part and am “alone”, I am constantly doing something.

Was I successful with those new resolutions in 2023? Well, it wasn’t until the end of the summer when I started back to the gym, but still ate crappy so I have muscle but covered in that extra thirty pounds of fat. I decided to embark on 365 Days of Meditation which has drastically helped my mental health so that is definitely a positive change.

I took small steps in eliminating my to-do list and while it helped give back to have more quality time with my children, I quickly slipped back into my old routine. And while more alone time seemed like a good idea, I spent most of that alone time being busy cleaning or grocery shopping. Yeah, good times.

Now it’s that time of year where I think about what I want to do or change and it’s really the same old list. And it’s very annoying! So why keep recreating the same list? Is my life that boring where I don’t want to actually have change? So over the past two months, before thinking about the pressure I put on myself when it comes to new year’s resolutions, I decided to make a change. I felt a big shift coming and wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but it slowly started to reveal itself.

I am over the continuity of the most common new year’s resolutions I have year over year. Pressuring myself at the start of a new year to create vague goals, breaking old habits, creating new habits.

This upcoming year, I am going to reinvent myself. This year is about getting out of the sludge and making a change that will truly impact everything in my life. I can honestly say that I think this meditation journey that I am on has really helped me get more clear, to stop being afraid and stop worrying about what others think about me, especially on social media.

Over the past week, I have had to sit down, let the thoughts out of my mind and when I was ready, took a deep breathe and ask myself what are the 3 to 5 most important things to me, even if they were simple little things. No timelines and I don’t want to set goals. I am just being clear on what really floats my boat, makes my heart happy and doing everything in a fun and lighthearted way. I’m in this for the long run and I am so excited for the process.

While I have not completed “the list”, I am getting very clear on what I want my life to be like, a vision of me in the future and not thinking about any previous year or years where I have been unsuccessful; there is no good reason for that. The past no longer matters and it’s time to just do what I love!

This got me thinking. What about others who are kind of stuck in the same situation I am? Though not everyone will be interested in doing what I am doing or have similar goals, but there are people who want to make new year’s resolutions and stick to them. However, what are some easy and fun ways to do this? To create new beginnings, healthy habits or just help with goal setting? Whatever it might be when it comes to your new year’s resolution, I have come up with some ideas that have worked for me in past experiences with certain types of goals and maybe they can help some of you as well.

P.S. If you re interested in creating some fun lists for your resolutions shall you go that route, there are many cute ones here!

1. Monthly Adventure Challenges

Instead of a year-long commitment, break the year into months, each with a unique adventure or challenge. For example, January could be ‘Learn a New Recipe Month,’ February ‘Random Acts of Kindness Month,’ and so on. This keeps things fresh and exciting throughout the year.

2. New Year’s Resolution Swap with a Friend

Pair up with a friend and choose resolutions for each other. This could be anything from trying out a new hobby, reading a book the other person loves, or even visiting a place they find inspiring. It’s a fun way to step out of your comfort zone, guided by someone who knows you well.

3. Gratitude Jar

Instead of setting future-oriented goals, focus on appreciating the present. Keep a jar where you (and/or a family member, if you like) can drop notes of things you’re grateful for throughout the year. On New Year’s Eve, open the jar and reflect on all the wonderful moments and blessings of the year.

4. Random New Year’s Resolution Generator

Create a list of varied and enjoyable activities or goals. They could range from ‘take a pottery class’ to ‘volunteer for a local charity.’ Put them in a jar, and each month (or week, if you’re feeling adventurous), pull out a new resolution to focus on.

5. Skill-of-the-Month Club

Dedicate each month to learning a new skill. This could be anything that intrigues you – photography, coding, gardening, yoga, etc. The idea is to end the year with twelve new skills or experiences, enriching your life and possibly discovering new passions.

6. New Year’s Resolution Bingo

MY FAVE! Create a bingo card filled with various goals and activities (both serious and silly). These could include ‘read a book in a genre I usually avoid,’ ‘go on a spontaneous road trip,’ ‘cook a meal from a different culture,’ etc. The aim is to complete a row or even the whole card by the end of the year, and perhaps reward yourself for each completed line.

These alternatives are designed to make the process of setting and pursuing goals throughout the year more dynamic, enjoyable, and reflective of personal growth and exploration. They’re great ways to add a bit of fun and variety to the usual New Year’s resolution routine! 🎉🌟💫