With next year quickly approaching, ‘tis the season for resolutions and goal setting. Though the concept of making changes in the New Year is an idea that’s been around for ages, there have likely never been so many novel ways of going about doing so.
Early in our marriage, my husband and I would set aside time to goal plan each winter. However, as we had children and things got busier, this fell to the wayside. I considered alternatives to New Year’s resolutions a few years ago, but I didn’t settle on an approach. I’m revisiting the topic today.
Thankfully, with so many possible approaches, there is an effective way for each of us to go about making modifications and achieving goals.
Alternatives to New Year’s resolutions
Compose a mission or legacy statement
A mission statement is a formal synopsis of one’s values and purpose. A legacy statement also details the values and purpose described in a mission statement, but it’s longer and includes information about one’s life lessons and intended legacy. Questions to consider when creating these statements include:
- What do I value more than anything else?
- How do I define success?
- What is my most important role?
- What do I want to be remembered for?
- What family traditions are most important to me?
- What do I hope for my family’s future?
- What impact do I want to have on the world?
Taking the time to craft these statements can be powerful because we can look at how we are living and determine if it aligns with our missions and desired legacies. Seeing areas of misalignment can be a catalyst for change.
Engage in a 365-day project
Working a little on a project or engaging in an activity for a short time on each day of the coming year is a great way to break a large endeavor into small, manageable pieces. There are so many different goals for which this could be an effective approach. Here are some examples:
- Writing a book? Commit to writing for at least 20 minutes each day.
- Keeping your space tidy? Commit to making your bed each morning.
- Getting physically fit? Commit to taking 8,000 steps each day.
- Being more grateful? Commit to writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day.
Use a personal growth bingo card
On a bingo card, document a mix of goals (learn to bake bread, volunteer at the homeless shelter, etc.) and fun experiences (see the Northern Lights, institute a family game night, etc.). Mark off squares throughout the year as you experience them (idea source). Celebrate in some small way when you achieve your “bingo.”
Make a to-don’t list
Many New Year’s resolutions are things we need to do (exercise more, save money, learn a new skill, etc.). Conversely, a to-don’t list is a list of things to stop or avoid during the coming year to free up energy, time, and money for the things that truly matter (idea source). Examples of things to put on a to-don’t list include excessive social media use, saying “yes” to every request for help or every party invitation, impulse buying, overeating, and holding grudges.
Set monthly goals
Instead of setting one overarching resolution for the year, an approach that can be useful for making many small changes is to set monthly goals. A month is short enough that it is not an intimidating amount of time to commit to something, but long enough for new behaviors to be on their way to becoming habits. Here are some examples of monthly goals:
- Go for a walk each day
- Learn 50 words in a new language
- Create a budget and track spending
- Establish a consistent bedtime
- Find a primary care physician and get a check-up
Choose a word or phrase for the year
A well-chosen word or phrase can serve as a guiding theme that helps you decide which actions to take throughout the year. Examples of words include journey, hope, balance, courage, and adventure. Examples of phrases include “bloom where you are planted,” “I can do hard things,” and “choose joy.” Remind yourself of the word or phrase often and consider if your actions and use of time are congruent with it.
Create a bucket list for the year
A bucket list typically contains the experiences or achievements that an individual would like to have or complete in his or her lifetime. Some individuals create annual bucket lists that are more limited in scope. Items on a New Year bucket list can range from lighthearted (take a pottery class, go camping, learn to bake sourdough, etc.) to serious (volunteer monthly, attend a fitness class regularly, reconnect with an old friend, etc.).
Reflect instead of making resolutions
If you are already overwhelmed with the tasks on your plate and/or have a habit of being too hard on yourself, then perhaps it isn’t wise to focus on what things are wrong and need to be changed. A better option may be to focus on reflection (idea source).
- What am I grateful for?
- What small victories have I experienced lately?
- What special moments happened this week?
- What am I looking forward to?
Dwelling on the answers to these questions can be uplifting and energizing. Additionally, they can inspire future action when you are in a place to be setting goals and making resolutions.
Final thoughts
Bucket lists and personal growth bingo cards sound like fun ways to approach change in the coming year! However, for practical reasons, I think I will try to set small goals. Instead of having one each month (as I described above), I’ll set the goals quarterly. This feels more manageable to me. I’ll likely toss in a fair share of reflection along the way.
I’m going to do my best to be flexible and avoid “all-or-nothing” thinking as I go about trying to achieve these goals. In other words, I’m not going to give up entirely on a goal because there is a setback that will prevent me from fully achieving it. I’ll try to appreciate the progress I’ve made and adjust to keep my goals reasonable.
In what ways have you approached New Year’s resolutions before? Have these approaches worked well? How will you go about making changes this year?
Join the Conversation