I want to lose 20 pounds. I’m going to run a marathon. I’m going to quit smoking. I’m going to organize my house.
These are common New Year’s resolutions, but they tend to be self-defeating. First of all, they start in the dead of winter, so there isn’t a lot of motivation to go out into the freezing morning air for a 6 am jog. Secondly, they tend to be over-reaching.
There are alternatives:
Make monthly goals instead: During 2011, Erin at Unclutterer made 2 small goals a month and it went well for her.
Never make a goal again: Josh Millburn at The Minimalists is living goal-free. I must admit the whole idea makes me a bit twitchy, but it works for him and others.
Review the last year: What worked for you in the last year? What had the most influence on you? For me it was minimalism and the paleo diet. Last year, it was overcoming my procrastination.
How do you celebrate the new year?
Home