For so many years, I did what everyone else was doing…making another unrealistic New Year Resolution. Before I lost weight and kept it off, that’s all they were about. Lose x amount pounds by X. I know I wasn’t alone in this goal. I can’t tell you how many times I got excited, started eating good and working out like crazy…only to burn out a few weeks later.
LOL…side note, this is one of my favorite movies! ;
I can’t remember when I stopped making them but I never looked back. Every year turned into a disappointment and beating myself up because I set unrealistic goals. At the same time, I love the idea of “out with the old and in with the new”. I think New Years is the perfect time to reflect back on the year before, celebrate the milestones, learn from the “failures” and get excited about new possibilities for the upcoming year. Birthdays are also great for this too!
All kidding aside, I do believe in reinventing or improving myself every year…and I love Robert Downey Jr. LOL
So instead of making traditional New Year Resolutions, here are a few different ideas on things you can to start out your New Year:
- Create a First Time Experience list for the upcoming year. What are some things that you’ve wanted to do but haven’t? Maybe pick a different one to do every month. It doesn’t have to be huge item either….maybe there is a specific kind of ethnic food that you’ve always wanted to try OR you’ve always wanted to run a race or a specific distance but have been too afraid to try it (you know I can help you with all of these!). I love first time experiences! They are scary and get you out of our comfort zone but it’s so rewarding once you’ve done it! I have been training for my first 100K and excited to enter into new territory!
- Follow a monthly 30 Day Challenge every month. Here is a great list of ideas. Get a friend to join you for accountability purposes or start an event on social media to get others to join you.
- Make a yearly challenge. Maybe you want to save $1000 over a year or walk/run a mile every single day of the year. Chart your progress on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Do a 365-Day Project. Take a jar and write down something good that happened every day (then open it up at New Years Eve and read about the amazing year you had!). Click here for more ideas.
Happy New Year!
Great post! Focusing on kicking this cold…..then who knows after that!
Thanks! Get better soon!