By Lisa Caplan, LCSW-C

Most New Year’s resolutions are abandoned quickly due to getting bored, picking too many resolutions or setting rigid goals. Picking something fun can increase the likelihood of being successful. 

Here are some to try:

• Explore new places, whether it’s within your own city, a neighboring town, or an international destination. Make it a goal to have new  experiences and memories.
• Choose a skill or hobby you’ve always wanted to learn, such as playing a musical instrument, painting, cooking, dancing, or building model trains.
• Set a goal to read a certain number of books in the coming year. You can make it more fun by joining a book club or exploring different genres.
• Get moving! Commit to a fitness routine that you enjoy, whether it’s going to the gym, rock climbing, practicing yoga, or going for regular walks.
• Dedicate some of your time to a cause you care about. Volunteering can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
• Make an effort to spend more quality time with family and friends. This can be as simple as checking in more often.
• Embrace your creative side by starting a creative project, such as writing, photography, or crafting. 
• Prioritize your mental well-being. Explore mindfulness techniques, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and increase inner peace.
• Reduce screen time and spend more time engaging in real-life activities and hobbies. Track your screen time and set a goal to reduce it by a certain percentage.
• Try new foods and cuisines, whether it’s cooking them at home or dining out.
• Set financial goals to save money or invest in your future. This can help reduce stress while increasing your financial security.
• Laugh more and prioritize humor. Make it a goal to enjoy more comedy shows, jokes, or funny activities.
• Challenge yourself to learn a new language. It can be fun and rewarding.
• Start gardening. Being around nature is grounding.
• Attend more events, such as concerts, festivals, art shows, or sports games.
• Declutter and organize by tackling one area of your home each month. A great way to reduce stress and feel grounded.

Tips to help stick with your New Year’s resolutions: 

• The most important thing is to choose resolutions that are meaningful and fun.
• Focus on a limited number of resolutions. Trying to tackle too many goals can be overwhelming. 
• Make your resolutions as specific as possible. Instead of a vague goal like “exercise more,” specify how many days a week you’ll exercise, what kind of workout and for how long.
• Set small, manageable milestones. This makes your goal feel less daunting. 
• Find an accountability partner with someone who has the same goals. My sister and I check in with each other daily on what exercise we did. It really motivates me to get moving. 
• Maintain a positive attitude and focus on your achievements rather than dwelling on setbacks. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the process.
• Reward yourself when you reach milestones or achieve your resolutions. 
• Be open to adjusting your goals if necessary. Life circumstances change, and it’s important to be adaptable.
• Practice self-compassion and be kind to yourself. Perfection is not the goal. What matters is your commitment to keep trying.
• Visualize success and imagine the benefits of achieving your resolutions. Visualizing your success can be a powerful motivator.
• Set reminders such as alarms, or visual cues, to help you remember your resolutions and the reasons you made them.
• Seek professional help if your resolution involves a significant lifestyle change or overcoming a serious challenge.

The  journey to achieving your New Year’s resolutions may not always be smooth, but with determination, patience, and these strategies, you can increase your chances of success. It’s important to stay committed and keep pushing forward, even when faced with obstacles.

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