Ah, the new year. A time for fresh starts, new intentions, and an ironic but typical struggle with gym memberships. It’s the season where we proclaim we’ll become better versions of ourselves while clutching a slice of cake as if it were our only source of nourishment. But fear not! This year, with the right resolutions and a splash of humor, we can all tackle our goals like pros. Below are the top 10 New Year’s resolutions, along with some tips to keep you on track and possibly make you chuckle along the way.
1. Get Fit
Sure, we all want to lose weight, gain muscle, or finally understand what “HIIT” stands for (hint: it’s not just a way to respond to annoying messages). The important thing is to turn “get fit” into a fun journey—think dance-off in your living room or chasing the ice cream truck down the street. Progress pictures are best taken when you’re holding a weight—or, in my case, a snack!
Tip to stay on track: Set small, attainable goals. Instead of running a marathon on day one, try a gentle stroll to the fridge.
2. Eat Healthier
We know, we know—everyone swears this is the year they’ll become kale-loving, quinoa-eating health gurus. But don’t worry, you don’t have to toss your fries out the window just yet. Think of it as swapping out some of that pizza for a salad. It’ll be like a food exchange program, with your taste buds as ambassadors.
Tip to stay on track: Keep a food diary. Writing down what you eat can be great for accountability. Plus, you can add doodles of delicious snacks as motivation!
3. Manage Stress Better
We live in a world ripe for stress. So much so that you may find it hard to pin down what exactly is causing your unease—like trying to catch a greased pig. What’s key is finding techniques that work for you! Mindful meditation, yoga, or even a jigsaw puzzle can help—no greasy pigs involved.
Tip to stay on track: Scheduled “me time” is a must. Block out an hour each week and treat it like an important date. Just don’t forget to show up!
4. Save Money
This resolution usually comes up right after the holiday spending spree, which is akin to diet resolutions following the cookie monster’s Halloween haul. Set a budget and stick to it—think of it as a treasure hunt where the goal is to find the “money” in your “bank account.”
Tip to stay on track: Use apps to track your spending. What gets measured gets managed, and nothing screams “I am saving money!” like seeing your bank balance grow.
5. Learn Something New
Whether it’s knitting, painting, or mastering the fine art of origami (who knew folding paper could be so intense?), learning a new skill is a fantastic resolution. Just remember: it’s never too late to start, even if your first knitted item looks more like a cat toy than a sweater.
Tip to stay on track: Join a group or a class. This way, you can share your embarrassing attempts in real-time, and it makes for some great stories!
6. Travel More
After enduring two years of lockdowns, many of us just want to pack our bags and dash off somewhere that isn’t the grocery store. While international travel might be on hold, you can still explore your own backyard—watching the neighbor’s cat can be quite the adventure!
Tip to stay on track: Start with mini-adventures. A weekend trip to a nearby city can ignite your wanderlust without breaking the bank—or the mileage limits on your car.
7. Spend More Time with Family and Friends
Between work, Netflix, and the sweet oblivion of scrolling through your phone, it’s easy to lose touch with friends and family. But this resolution doesn’t mean an obligatory family game night; it can be as simple as a weekly phone call or brunch where the family feuds can be settled through trivia instead of Monopoly.
Tip to stay on track: Schedule regular catch-ups. Even throw them into your calendar like work meetings. Plus, who doesn’t love a good breakfast burrito?
8. Volunteer
Giving back is not only good for others; it’s good for your soul too! You can donate your time or skills, and when it feels tough, remember how fantastic those endorphins can dance through you after a day of helping out. Just don’t expect a certificate for “World’s Greatest Volunteer”—that’s for your mom to say!
Tip to stay on track: Find a cause you’re passionate about and dive in! Being enthusiastic about what you do will make it feel less like a commitment and more like a joyride.
9. Read More
In today’s world of streaming platforms, reading has become the underdog of leisure activities. Dust off those books piling up on the shelf and make a pact with yourself: a chapter a day keeps boredom away! Bonus points if you can finish a book before it turns into a movie.
Tip to stay on track: Create a cozy reading nook and set a specific reading time each day. Maybe combine it with tea or hot chocolate—a perfect recipe for an unstoppable reading marathon!
10. Reduce Screen Time
In a screen-obsessed society, this resolution seems more daunting than decoding a teenager’s text message. The goal here isn’t to live in a cave; rather, it’s about balancing your time. There really is a life outside those pixelated screens, and I promise—your cat still loves cuddles without the distraction of dogs on TikTok.
Tip to stay on track: Use apps to monitor your screen time. And when you hit your daily limit, get up and do something that doesn’t involve a screen. Chase that cat instead!
So there you have it! With a little humor and a few strategies in place, you can tackle these resolutions like a champ. Now, go forth and conquer this new year—preferably with a smile (and maybe a slice of cake hidden somewhere)!
Happy New Year and Happy Goal Achievement!
Loving you from here,
Jenine Marie
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 