2024 New Years Resolution Ideas

Happy 2024! Here are some ideas for  New Year’s Resolutions - or whatever

Okay first off 

1. Be easy with yourself, 

2. Congratulate yourself, 

3. Trying is not failing!

4. Be realistic and specific (at least that is what the more learned blogs suggest).

And with that out of the way, we can move on to different ways of thinking about resolutions. 

Why? Well, personally I continually set really high goals, (unrealistic and unattainable that I then inevitably fail at because I am not one of the supernatural heroines I write about). So I’m seeking or trying new ways this year. So here are a few thoughts, possibilities, suggestions to try- or not. 

Option 1: Goals not resolutions/outcomes. (Traditional but more fuzzy)

Okay, I read this somewhere and now cannot find the source, but too many times we are specific and hold ourselves to lofty “goals” which are really outcomes we are not fully prepared or realistically prepared for. As a neurodivergent - I’m constantly inspired by those who dream big, and tell me to keep going, “shoot for the stars!” etc. but I inevitably burn out, because guess what? We all need a framework/ ladder of small steps to get there, and places to rest and recoup along the way. So example: Learn to Speak a New Language! (As the app says…. But do we have the time? Have we blocked it off? Do we have time to celebrate along the path and congratulate ourselves? What is driving this goal? Is it the desire to try something new, learn something new? Or are we visiting a new place/ country and are on a deadline? According to an article on MEDIUM we should also plan for life and contingencies (AKA failure). In essence, change of any sort is hard, and as annoying and pedantic planning may seem it does lead to success. So if you really want to succeed - PLAN for Success and Plan for Failure and Plan for contingencies (be your own Dungeon Master). Okay now that i’ve made a muckery of that lets try for a list..

• Learn a new language→Take a language course. Download a language app and spend X minutes per day/ or X hours per week using it. Etc.

• Get fit! Exercise more→ How? When? If spending money motivates you, are you joining a gym? Hiring a trainer? Signing up for an app? What type of exercise invigorates you? How long, how far, how many times a week? What are your rewards for each step? (incentive is everything:)

Option 2: Inspirational Words.

Lena Lacrosse turned me onto this, its much easier to follow and remember. Use a word as a guiding mantra for the year. You can start with an idea and simplify it to guiding term or word. This allows you to uphold a New Years Resolution with flexibility and imagination. 

Examples: 

Instead of Exercise More→ Health, Wellbeing, Flexibility (this allows you to broaden exercise to your mind and spirit as well as your body). 

Instead of Learn a New Language→ Learn, Curiosity, Explore, Practice 

Here is a helpful list of possible One Word Resolutions.

Or you can select a word for an Identity

Option 3: Challenges 

Okay this isn’t a full year thing, but it may work really well for some of us, but like above you need a plan, with mini steps to accomplish and a network of people to help you accomplish it. Are you Doing an exercise challenge? A cleanse? A sober January? Add in a new habit or give one up. These are more traditional, but again a plan, a support system and a prize are always helpful. 

Best of luck in 2024!