8 Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions

I told myself this year was going to be different. I was not going to allow myself to create New Year’s resolutions that I knew I could never finish. I love making goals and creating lists but in the past, my lists were far too long and quite honestly, unrealistic. I did not realize that just about 10% of New Year’s resolutions are actually completed. But don’t most of us do it? We make pie-in-the-sky resolutions, then when life gets in the way, we get discouraged and disappointed in ourselves when we are not able to complete what we started. Then why do we do it to ourselves in the first place?

Have you ever considered that maybe we are focusing our energy in the wrong place? After all, big changes do not usually happen all at once, they usually come one small victory at a time. So, here is a thought: how about we turn the New Year’s resolution tradition on its head? I have put together 8 alternatives (I couldn’t get away from making a list) that I believe will help you get 2017 started off in the right direction and help generate some excitement about what the new year may bring!

1. Make a gratitude list instead
One of the reasons we dread New Year’s resolutions is because we know how often we let them slide. So why not focus instead on what has already gone right? Make a list of things you are grateful for that happened in 2016. This would be a great list to use to encourage others and to thank God. This has the added benefit of broadening your perspective beyond your current circumstances.

2. Create a list of favorite memories
You can do this one alone, but it might be nice to do as a family. Hearing other people’s favorites can be insightful, and give you some much-needed perspective and encouragement.

3. Pick a Theme
Instead of a resolution (like join a fitness class and lose 30 pounds), focus on a “theme” you would like to explore this year. Maybe you would like to be more adventurous, or laugh more? Choose this year’s theme, and then watch for opportunities to act on it.

4. Make a Bucket List
In my opinion, bucket lists are much more fun and meaningful than resolutions. Instead of worrying that you may fail at being able to complete a single, annual goal, you can make a list of things you would like to try, and then see how many you are able to complete. One of my bucket list items is to attend a baseball game at every major league ballpark. I love attending baseball games, but if I do not do it, I do not stress about it. It is all about having fun and completing meaningful things that are important to us.

5. Make a Photo Album…of the Future
If you are the type of person who does not like writing things down, find some images of places you would like to go or activities you want to do, and put them in a fresh, new photo album. When you do one of the things, take a selfie and replace the original image with your updated one. For visual people, this is a great idea. Plus, as you complete your album, it is fun to share it with family and friends.

6. Try Stepping Stones
Many New Year’s resolutions fail because they are often big goals, and end up feeling insurmountable. I would suggest thinking of one small thing you could do that would advance your larger goal (e.g. becoming stronger spiritually by reading your Bible for 5 minutes a day). Achieve your small goal, and then figure out another small task that you can do next, and so on.

7. List Your Core Values
Our goals are often about becoming the person we would like to be. Listing the values or traits, we aspire to, such as generous, integrity, and loyalty, can be another way to keep you focused and moving in the right direction. One of my projects in 2017 is to have a picture framed that lists the “Hedrick Core Values.” This will be a picture my family sees every day as we leave the house. Have you ever seen what the Notre Dame College football team does every time they leave the locker room before they enter the field? Check it out online and you will see what I am trying to accomplish.

8. Try a 30-Day Challenge
It is a lot easier to push forward on a goal for 30 days than for a whole year. The stakes are lower as well. If you challenge yourself to bike and end up hating it, the next month you can pick something completely different. This adds a little variety to your typical New Year’s resolutions and it does not keep you locked down to any one thing for a year.

My hope is that whatever you decide to do to kick off the New Year, above all things, be positive and have fun. New Year’s Day should be a time of new beginnings and optimism. You do not have to be bogged down with a tradition that obviously does not work for most people. I would suggest trying one of these 8 alternatives and see what you think. Who knows, it may make all the difference for you in 2017.

Please feel free to share this with others.

God Bless,

Doug Hedrick

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