It’s hard to believe 2022 is here. Every year, we plot out our next big endeavor as a resolution to make a change. Not sure what to focus on this year?
We’ve put together a list of the top 11 New Year’s resolution ideas, along with tips to help hold you accountable throughout the next 365 days.
1. Prioritize Your Health
Physical health is the main priority for a lot of people at the turn of the new year. Typically, we think about starting a weight loss program or choosing a new diet. But instead, why not put the focus on benefiting your physical health through regular doctor’s visits?
Make your appointment for that prolonged physical and bloodwork. Or, get dental implants for the smile you’ve always wanted.
2. Run a Half Marathon
If you’re set on making exercise a part of your resolution, try getting more specific with your goals. Having something to work toward is easier to achieve rather than saying you want to exercise more often.
Sign up for a half marathon or the next Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. You can track your progress and will have a date to hold you accountable.
3. Journal Once a Day
Writing can be incredibly therapeutic and is a great creative outlet. It’s also been proven that writing by hand can help improve your memory. Get a journal and try writing once a day. It can be one small short sentence or an entry reflecting on your day. Whatever you feel, write it down.
4. Pick a Theme
Instead of having a goal, you could very easily pick a theme as your resolution for the year. Maybe your life is out of balance. Focus the year on finding ways to take back control. Perhaps your priorities could use a shift. Align your priorities with the life you want – make that your resolution.
5. Try Something Small
Making a New Year’s resolution can sometimes seem incredibly daunting. Having one big goal to stick to for a full 365 days overwhelms people, which is why many of us tend to fall off the wagon by February.
Having smaller health goals are that are more attainable will make it easier to succeed. Try something small by taking daily supplements. Maybe you can add walking for twenty minutes every day. It’ll benefit your health while adding a healthy habit to your daily routine.
6. Remove a Bad Habit
Habits are formed through repetition. We engrave them into our neural pathways, which become a regular part of our lifestyle or routine. Bad habits – like smoking, nail-biting, or gossiping – can all be rewired. It might take a lot of work at first, but the reward is well worth it.
Think about a habit you want to remove from your life. According to research, it takes about 21 days to form a new habit. This is a great opportunity to find a replacement.
Every time you want a cigarette, go for a walk. Whenever you go to bite your nails, chew on a stick of celery. Replace bad habits with healthy alternatives.
7. Read One Book a Month
Setting yourself up for a resolution means setting a realistic goal. Reading one book a week probably doesn’t fit into your schedule. One book a month, however, might be more realistic. Find ways to fit reading into your life. Instead of watching TV before bed, take that hour or two and open up a new book.
To take it up a notch, join a book club. This will hold you accountable, so you show up to the group each month ready to talk about the book – because you read it, after all!
8. Travel More
While the world is still working its way towards opening back up to the life of travel, there are still a lot of options out there. Your travel plans for 2022 don’t have to be something international.
Look on Airbnb and rent a place for a short staycation. Maybe you’ve been putting off visiting your family on the east coast. Buy the ticket and solidify your plans to commit to seeing them.
9. Start Your Business
In 2020 during the pandemic, 4.4 million people in the United States filed to start a new business. If you’ve been sitting on an idea or passion project, it might be time to take the plunge. Start fleshing out a plan to start your business.
Set a goal date of when you want it to officially begin. Research what it takes to get your company off the ground and how you can start saving to promote your startup. This could be your year as long as you’re willing to put in the hard work.
10. Become More Eco-Friendly
Having a New Year’s resolution that gives back to the world is a great way to start 2022. Think about different ways in your life you’re impacting the environment. The list of ways to start is endless. Here are some eco-friendly options to get started:
- Learn how to recycle properly
- Watch how much water you use
- Switch to reusable bags
- Eat less meat
- Try carpooling or taking public transit to work
- Use the stairs instead of the elevator
- Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
11. Practice Daily Gratitude
When we practice gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin. These are chemicals that help regulate our moods. More specifically, they promote all the good feelings.
People who regularly recognize gratitude are more inclined to give back to the community, donate to nonprofits, and help others in need.
This can be as simple as spending a few minutes before bed to reflect on the day. Say out loud or write down one or two things you’re grateful for. As we said, it doesn’t have to be overly complicated. It’s about recognizing the good that’s in your life.
Summary
As you start planning out what you want your New Year’s resolution to be, think about what specific changes you want to make in your life. Set realistic goals and don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t have to move mountains when there are plenty of hills to conquer.