It’s that time of year again, so I wanted to write about new goal ideas for you to consider that may different than what you would expect! The new year is upon us, so it’s time to choose a new year’s resolution. I think we’ve all done this quite a few times in our lifetime, and I can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve been successful. Now that I’ve entered my fifties, I’m tired of using the same old resolutions that I feel almost obligated to choose, only to feel defeated when they fall by the wayside in a few months.
As we get older, you would think we’d learn from our mistakes, and often times we do, so why is it that we continue to follow the same pattern every new year? The other thing I’ve realized, after I’ve had many years to reflect, it seems like all the resolutions I’ve chosen have a negative tone to them…lose weight, exercise more, spend less, or any of the other pretty typical resolutions I’ve tried to commit to previously.
Let’s face it, I’ve lived at least half my life at this point, and I don’t want to start my remaining years with something that makes me feel defeated. Who needs that? I am changing it up this year and starting my new year with something that will make me happy or look forward to!
Join me on this journey and make a decision to do something different this new year. Read on to learn about some great ideas you can choose from.
Here’s a Unique Goal idea…Plan a Vacation
Other than spending time with my family, planning a vacation is one of my favorite things to do. Why not make your new year’s resolution planning a vacation to some place you’ve been dreaming about but haven’t had the chance to visit.
Take some time to figure out where you want to go, spend a little time estimating the budget needed, enroll any other family members or friends that you want to include, and then determine the date you will go. Once you set the date, you can start saving and planning and now you have something to look forward to.
It is so easy to put off till tomorrow, but who knows how many tomorrows we’ll have. Plan it now!
Start a new hobby
Do you like reading, dancing, arts and crafts, or cooking? If so, why not sign up for a class at your local community college or start a book club with some of your friends. The new year is a great time to try something new or restart a hobby that you once did, but for whatever reason you stopped.
It doesn’t matter if it’s something you do one time, weekly, or monthly, as long as you will be happy doing it.
Start Journaling
Journaling gives you an opportunity to learn more about yourself and also allows you to work through a problem in a more productive manner. Journaling also helps to clear your mind, ease stress and ultimately put you in a much happier state.
Even if you can’t commit to journaling on a daily or weekly basis, having it as an option that you can turn to when you are frustrated, stressed, or even happy will have a positive impact on you.
Being Adventurous
Did you ever want to try sky diving, white water rafting, or going on a roller coaster? If so, this year is the time for you to go for it. Sometimes when we try something that makes our heart race a little, it fills us with a sense of accomplishment.
Of course, we all have our limits when it comes to being adventurous, so know your limits. This option may not be for everyone, but you can at least try and go a little outside your comfort zone. You may be surprised how gratifying it is.
Get a new furry friend
A couple years ago, my family decided to get a dog. To be honest, I was not initially thrilled about the idea for various reasons, but let me tell you, it’s the best decision we’ve made.
Beyond just the fact that they are always happy to see you, make you laugh with their silliness, they also keep us more active. Animals are such loveable creatures, and they just make life better. Whether you are a fan of cats, dogs, or hamsters, enjoying a furry friend can really put a smile on your face.
Start reading the bible or going to church regularly
If you watched the news today or read any of your news feed, you are probably aware that all is not wonderful in the world around us. I’ve found that when I am going to church or reading my bible regularly, it calms my soul. The church also reminds us that there is a bigger purpose for our lives, which can help us when we need a reset.
Even if you aren’t able to commit to going to church regularly, getting into a habit of reading the bible or praying can help you to put things into perspective.
Another Goal idea is to start meditating
Similar to some of the other items on this list, mediation helps to calm and destress. Since stress is behind many of the health issues that we experience in life, having a routine that alleviates stress is critical to our overall well-being.
There are many different options for this, guided meditation yoga, Tai chi, and several more, which makes it easier for you to find something that you are comfortable with. If meditation doesn’t hit the mark for you, then schedule bubble baths or just quiet time when you can shut down, completely relax your body, and calm your mind.
Plan a monthly game night with family or friends
My husband and I were watching a series regarding the Blue Zones, which are regions in the world where people live longer. One of the common themes they identified was the importance of routine interaction with friends and family.
Hence why this option was included on the list. Having a weekly or monthly game night, karaoke, or Potluck with your family or friends is a great way to have something consistent to look forward to. Of course, depending on how well you get along with your family and friends you may need to be a little choosy about who you invite, but otherwise this could be a great option.
Plan a girls’ weekend getaway
It doesn’t matter if you are getting massages, facials, going to the beach or getting your gossip time in, spending time with friends makes us happy. I find that most times than not, when I’m with my girlfriends my stomach hurts from laughing so much.
What better way to get happy than by planning a girls’ trip where you know you will get your fill of memories and laughter. Make it a sleepover at your house, a beach trip, or anywhere else you can just relax and have fun.
Volunteering can also be a very fulfilling goal idea
You have so many things to pick from for this option, so it should be fairly easy to find something you can look forward to. You can volunteer at a church, a dog shelter, a senior living home, or even a charity event. If you are somebody who is not comfortable doing it alone, then get a friend to join you.
If you’re not sure what you might have interest in, this article provides some great options that you may want to consider.
Volunteering gives us a sense of purpose and community, so it is another great way to help us put some of our little issues into perspective.
Rekindle an old friendship
Is there a friend that is no longer in your life that you would love to reconnect with again? If so, do it! Use this time to reconnect with an old friend, and maybe even ask if they would want to join you for one of the activities listed above.
Too many friends come and go in our lives, and often they are people who we really enjoyed spending time with. Take a little time to think about past friendships that you had, and which ones had a positive impact on your life, and text or call them. I would bet that they will be excited to hear from you.
Pick a goal idea that will make you happy
As you can probably tell from the above items. my suggestion to you is to make your New Year’s Resolution something that makes you happy or that you can look forward to. Life is too short to start our new year off with something that we feel obligated to do or makes us feel defeated.
Pick one or two items that really resonates with you and this year really enjoy your new year!
Thank you for reading this post! Is there anything on the list you plan to add to your new year’s list? If so, please comment below.