4 Unpopular Newyear's Resolutions for 2024

Every year we make resolutions to lose weight, lead a healthier lifestyle, see friends more often and do better at our jobs or with our money. We try to get organized, keep our homes clean, make to-do lists and just end up frustrated when things don't go as planned after a few months or weeks of trying to 'get our life together'.

What if this year's resolutions are to improve mental health? What if instead of trying new things and doing more, we do less things but get better at those things? What if we create more meaningful relationships and learn to love ourselves more through consistency and self-discipline?

Here are 4 resolutions that will improve your mental health by helping you prioritize what really is important for a better 2024.

1. Don't meet new people

We're told that we need to get out there and meet new people. I agree that we should be replacing the people who are bad for us with new relationships where we feel appreciated and loved for who we are. Yes, we should surround ourselves with people who bring out the best version of ourselves but once you've got a few of those people in your lives, what are you doing to cultivate these relationships?

Studies have shown that what makes for a happier life are two things; gratitude and the relationships we have with people. If you can build strong connections with your friends and family, and really allow them to be part of your life, this can lead to a better overall life. Watch the video below about a 75-year study on happiness, you'll be surprised.

Deep connections teach us unconditional love, and this goes both ways. If you learn to work on your relationships even through the hard times, and develop patience for your friend's faults, you will find that having someone there for you when you're not at your best will encourage you to be the best version of yourself while embracing your faults. You will find you've got people rooting for you knowing very well that you're not perfect and loving you all the same.

2. Don't learn something new

We know that we should always be looking to learn new things. But how many of us start something and give up quickly? Painting, playing an instrument, a martial art, a new language, yoga, new software, the list is endless. In the information age, it's very easy to learn anything. We know where to go, we can order material online, or just learn from Youtube videos. But we're easily bored and move on to the next thing. A lot of people are now self-diagnosing themselves with ADHD because they are unable to focus on one activity long enough to be any good at it.

What if this year we work on consistency and self-discipline by choosing a couple of things we enjoy doing and focus on improving our skills? Experts say that spending time doing activities you love and becoming an expert in any activity will improve your mental health and overall well-being and can increase positive feelings about yourself and optimism.

Read this article in Times magazine to see how you can become an expert in anything.

3. Be selfish

A lot of people think that putting themselves first is selfish. Ok, so let's be selfish this year. Yes, we've got friends and family to take care of. If you're a parent, society tells you that you have to put your kids first at all times. And what about my career? If I don't put it first, I won't be able to pay my bills.

We know that if we're not well we won't be able to be there for our families and we won't be able to work. But somehow, we still continue to do things for everyone else before we think about ourselves. I'm not talking about bubble baths and massages. I mean being as kind to yourself as you are to those you love and creating a positive internal dialogue while also consistently putting yourself first. Take that art course every Monday evening, your family can deal with dinner. Spend 30 minutes every evening journaling, your work emails can wait until the morning. Consistently making you-time a priority and not 'trying to carve some time' for it. Be sure to tell noone you're doing these things. Do them for yourself, not to share on social media.

Putting yourself first will not only give you the strength to be a better version of yourself for your loved-ones but it will also help you learn to love yourself, thereby improving your mental health. Watch the video below on self-love.

4. Don't be productive

Growing up in North America in the 90s got me believing that I am what I produce. If I'm busy doing things and checking things off my to-do list, I'm a better person for it. Generation X was conditioned to think "whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". I think whatever hasn't killed my generation has definitely contributed to poor mental health and it's time we stopped the nonsense. A lot of us are unhappy, tired, unable to make ends meet and are not that successful financially no matter how many hours we put in at work. Multi-tasking isn't a strength, burn-out isn't something to be proud of, never taking time off isn't a flex. It's time to slow down, do less but well, and focus on our health and relationships.

Read this article to find out why Productivity is Killing Us.

And this article about Why Multi-tasking Doesn't Work.

I hope these resolutions will help you prioritize what's important in life and help you to achieve better mental health in 2024. I would love to hear from you. Do you disagree with any of this? Did I forget to mention something? Take care of yourselves and your mental health this year and make it a serene one.