Let’s Be Real: Resolutions Need a Makeover
Every New Year, the same old ritual comes around—resolutions. Promises we make to ourselves, full of good intentions but often left behind by the time February rolls in. And honestly, in a world moving at a breakneck pace, where priorities shift faster than ever, do they even make sense anymore?
TL;DR: Resolutions That Actually Work in a Chaotic World
New Year resolutions don’t have to be rigid promises doomed to fail. In today’s fast-moving world, the key is to keep them flexible, fun, and easy to manage. Whether it’s micro-resolutions, themes for the year, or habits over goals, make it work for you. Journaling, calendar nudges, and celebrating small wins can keep you on track without overwhelming you. Progress, not perfection, is the game.
The Trouble with Resolutions
Here’s the thing: life isn’t linear. The days of setting a single, straight-line goal and sticking to it all year are gone. You’re not the same person in July as you were in January. Things change, you change, and a rigid resolution can start to feel more like a chain than a guiding star.
But don’t write them off completely. The core of what resolutions are about—intent, reflection, and a chance to hit reset—is still gold. It just needs a shake-up to make sense in today’s world.
Why They Still Matter
In the chaos of everyday life, resolutions can give you something rare:
So, How Do We Make Resolutions That Don’t Suck?
Forget rigid. Forget perfect. Resolutions don’t have to be all-or-nothing. Here’s a fresher way to think about them:
1. Keep It Small and Flexible
Big, flashy resolutions are tempting—“I’ll run a marathon!”—but they crumble fast. Instead, try something like, “I’ll run once a week and see where it takes me.” Small wins stack up, and you can change course as you go.
2. Build Habits, Not Goals
Instead of setting some massive endgame, focus on creating systems that work. Don’t say, “I’ll save $10k this year.” Say, “I’ll put something aside every payday.” Habits stick. Goals fade.
3. Choose a Theme for Your Year
Pick a word or idea that speaks to you—Courage, Balance, Curiosity. It’s your compass, not a checklist. Whenever you’re unsure, let it guide your choices.
4. Reflect, Don’t Predict
What if, instead of setting goals, you asked yourself, “What have I learned this year?” Reflection gives you clarity without the pressure. Use that insight to shape your next move.
5. Make It Bigger Than You
Resolutions don’t have to be just about you. They can be about community, impact, or the world around you. Maybe it’s supporting local businesses, cutting back on waste, or simply showing up more for the people who matter.
How to Actually Stick With It (Without Overthinking)
Resolutions tend to fall apart not because they’re bad ideas but because life gets in the way. The secret? Don’t overcomplicate it. Here are a few simple ways to keep things ticking along:
领英推荐
1. Journal, But Keep It Real
Journaling doesn’t have to be a daily chore or pages of deep introspection. Just jot down a sentence or two now and then:
Recommended Tool: Apps like Day One or Journey are great for quick, no-fuss entries. Or just use your Notes app—whatever works.
2. Use Calendar Reminders as Nudges
Set up reminders to keep you on track, but don’t treat them like deadlines. A simple, “How’s that habit going?” popping up on your phone once a month can work wonders.
Pro Tip: Use apps like Google Calendar or Notion to layer these nudges into your schedule effortlessly.
3. Pick a Low-Bar Habit Tracker
If journaling feels too much, use something visual—a calendar, an app, or even a piece of paper on the fridge. Mark off days you stick with your habit or intention. It’s satisfying, and it keeps things front of mind without demanding too much from you.
Recommended Tool: Try Habitica (gamify your goals) or Streaks for a simple, visual tracker.
4. Find Your “Why” and Write It Down
Why does this resolution matter to you? Not the surface-level answer, but the real reason. Write it somewhere you’ll see—your phone wallpaper, a sticky note on your desk, wherever. When motivation wobbles (and it will), that “why” can pull you back.
5. Celebrate the Small Wins
Progress isn’t about big leaps; it’s about tiny steps. If you’ve moved an inch closer to where you want to be, that’s worth celebrating. Treat yourself to something small—your favorite coffee, an hour with a good book, or even just a fist pump.
Idea: Use a reward jar. Drop a coin or small note into a jar for every small win. Treat yourself when it’s full.
6. Make It Fun
If your resolution feels like punishment, you’re doing it wrong. Find ways to enjoy the process. Pair that new habit with something you already love—listen to a great podcast on your walks or make planning your week feel like a creative project.
Recommended Podcast: The Habit Coach with Ashdin Doctor offers bite-sized episodes packed with tips for building habits in fun, low-stress ways.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
Life happens. You’ll miss days, lose momentum, or flat-out forget. That’s fine. What matters is getting back up without beating yourself up. Resolutions are about progress, not perfection.
The Bottom Line: Adapt, Don’t Abandon
Resolutions aren’t about hitting some perfect target. They’re about momentum. They’re about stepping into the new year with intent, curiosity, and the willingness to adapt.
This world isn’t slowing down, but neither are you. Resolutions aren’t dead—they just need to grow with the times.
So, what’s it going to be? Will you keep it small? Set a theme? Or throw resolutions out altogether and try something new?
Whatever you choose, make it yours. Make it real. Make it matter. Let’s make this year count.
I’m #MadeByDyslexia – expect creative thinking & creative spelling.