As 2023 starts to wind down, I’m already thinking about and planning for 2024. I have goals both personally and professionally that I want to accomplish next year, but I’m not great at making resolutions for the new year. This is usually due to the unrealistic and sometimes unattainable self-improvement goals I set. These resolutions end up being good intentions that I don’t always follow through on. I wanted to do this differently for 2024, so I thought less about major overhaul goals and more about attainable goals that will help me form new routines and habits in all areas of my life.
Looking for a starting point for realistic resolutions? Here are some ideas for the categories I chose to prioritize:
Physical
This is the category where my former “overhaul” resolutions lived. In 2024, I want to focus less about a number on a scale or on the tags on my clothes, and more about how I feel. Again, it’s all about forming new routines and habits.
- Increase water intake
- 10,000 steps every day
- Move my body for 30 minutes each day
- Healthier sleep routine (think less screen time before bed and aim for eight hours of sleep)
- Take the stairs
Spiritual
I have done a “Bible in-a-year” plan before and I loved it! It became part of my daily routine, and my goal is to do it again this year.
- Begin a Bible reading plan
- Start a daily or weekly devotional
- Volunteer at church or for a local non-profit
- Start a gratitude journal
Social
I have never thought of making social resolutions. As a mom and wife who works full-time, my social life is not as exciting as it was before. I am looking forward to trying a few of these in 2024!
- Join a club or group (book club, dinner club, pickleball, bunco, etc.)
- Compliment one person each day (even if it’s a total stranger; for example, if you love someone’s sweater, tell them!)
- Try a group workout like barre or yoga
- Take a girls’ trip (even if it’s just for one night) or book a spa day together
Family
I’m excited about planning monthly family outings as well as monthly date nights next year. I think a stay-cation could be in our future!
- Plan one date night a month
- Plan a monthly family outing
- Spend more time outside
- Unplug and be present as much as possible
Personal Growth
My current reading list contains a lot of Little Blue Truck. I enjoy reading, so I’m hoping to make it a priority again in the new year.
- Read two books each month, one for fun and one for personal/professional growth
- Learn a new skill or take up a new hobby
- Stop multitasking
Thinking about resolutions as steps to help us build new habits and routines rather than unrealistic goals like, “I want to lose XX pounds before spring break” is a game-changer.
When the clock strikes midnight and the champagne is gone, hopefully we can step into 2024 with realistic resolutions we feel confident we can keep.
