From coming straight out of lockdown in 2020 and going back in for the second half of 2021, it’s safe to say COVID really messed up our long-awaited plans. To ensure that 2022 goes the way we want it to, regardless of COVID- we must set goals. There is no such thing as a new years resolution too big or too small. Rather, it is completely up to you, and what you wish to achieve. It may range from simply learning to cook your favorite dish, to solving world hunger. However, below are some new years resolution ideas to get the ball rolling before the countdown begins!
Focusing on Self-Help
There’s never a right time to start on a journey of self-improvement. However, if you just haven’t found the right timing or motivation to do so, maybe the start of the new year can be your right time. Self-help can simply be aiming to kick start each day with meditation, or writing in a journal before going to bed. Collecting our thoughts and zoning in on what makes us tick is the best way to kickstart (and sustain ourselves) throughout this year.
It is very important to remember that bettering ourselves isn’t linear but rather does take time and effort. There will be downfalls, however- there are 365 days for you to work with and it only takes 21 days to form a habit. Hence, if you are unable to commit to something first, stick to it and you never know what can happen! The best things always happen when you are least expecting it- and this new years resolution is no exception.
Some examples of self-help and self-care are
- Changing up your diet
- Engaging in types of exercises available to you
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it- there are many therapy services around. Also, do note that therapy isn’t only for those with mental illnesses, but is also a service to just have someone bias to bounce your ideas off!
Starting a New Hobby
A hobby doesn’t have to be anything extreme or unique, but instead as long as it makes you happy. Doing what you love is the motivation you need to continue to grow. Furthermore, starting a new hobby at the very start of the new year gives you something to look back on every year- as a milestone. This allows you to reflect on your progress and see how far you have come. A good idea would be to take progress photos or videos or voice memos- anything really! There are so many hobbies that you can sift through. Some examples would be learning a new instrument, picking up crocheting, or drawing. These are just a few of the more mainstream ones, however, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone in this new year’s resolution.
Achieve an Award You’ve Been Working Towards
Regarding awards, although your first instinct may be one of academic- it doesn’t always have to be! For example, you may have been aiming to get your first aid certificate for a while, but kept putting it off. Or, you’re RSA so you can make some accredited and tasty cocktails for all your friends. Or, if you are feeling creative, you can also go for a barista accreditation and perfect your skills of latte art!
However, for the more academically inclined, if you would like to embark on a new field of study, you could always take an online university course! The possibilities are endless, whether you want to study psychology or interior architecture, and come out of it with a well-deserved award. If you are interested in a specific musical instrument, you could always work towards an award in that! At the end of the day, the award you achieve is the representation of your own hard work, and a nice addition to move through the year with.
Saying Goodbye to This Year in Style…
This year was no doubt tough, so it is not a small thing that you made it this far! Christmas celebrations and new year festivities are a time for you to enjoy, and also look back at how far you have come from the start of the year. Every little growth counts, so don’t discard anything or give yourself less credit than you so rightfully deserve!
With these new years resolutions, there is a chance for you to continue reflecting upon yourself and better learn your needs and thoughts. It isn’t easy to act upon our resolutions consistently. However, at the end of the day, it is all the effort that you put in that really amounts to who you are. So, what are you waiting for? Go get those fancy pens and paper and start drafting out those amazing new year resolutions!
