We’re a couple weeks into 2019 but I can already tell this year has a different type of vibe than previous new years. I know I’m not the only one who took a beating in 2018, and still needed a moment of recovery by the time 2019 decided to arrive like “hey girl hey.” This is the first time since I can remember that I didn’t write out my list of 10+ goals and resolutions that I wanted to go after this year.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to brag but in the past, there have been very few times where I didn’t check off everything on my list. So that wasn’t necessarily what held me back from doing resolutions this year. In fact, I used to side eye the type of person who I’ve now become who isn’t pressed to write down resolutions that I want to tackle in 2019. I honestly don’t’ know what it is but I feel like, for me, it’s not necessary this time around. I’ve learned to become okay with that and if you’re a person who never does resolutions or are trying something new this year and not doing resolutions, you should be okay with that too.
Bottom line, it’s okay if you’re anti-New Year resolution; because there are plenty of other ways you can reach your goals this year and become who you’ve been wanting to be.
Pat Yourself On The Back
No matter what went down in 2018, I’m convinced you had some amazing moments that you should celebrate yourself for. This year, maybe instead of focusing on everything you need to change, you can focus on the things that you do like and appreciate about yourself.
Think about times you came through for a friend, helped someone in need, or anything big or small that made you feel like you really are the bomb dot com. Rather than belittling yourself over things you wished you did differently, remind yourself that it wasn’t all bad and that you have good characteristics that you want to go even further with this year.
Do A Bucket List
For starters, a bucket list does not mean New Year resolution 🙂 This is a more casual way for you to try things you’ve been wanting to try and can help motivate you to make a plan behind it.
It doesn’t have to be something somber or strict (in fact, the exact opposite is best), so it’s a great way for you to have fun with things you want to do instead of taking the year so seriously. Step out of your comfort zone and write a meal that you’ve been wanting to try or a DM you’ve been wanting to slide into.
One of the most fun ways to execute a bucket list is to have a friend do it with you. That way, you can create amazing memories together.
Pen A Letter To Your 2020 Self
While resolutions might not be the way to go for you, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write down your hopes and dreams. For me, it’s just all about looking at the bigger picture. Another thing you can do instead of a resolution list is write a letter to yourself that you’ll read a year from now.
Talk about how you feel in the moment but also about what you’re glad you’ve accomplished this year whether it’s mentally, physically or any other aspect of your life. This is a unique way to not only get your goals out, but also to make yourself your own competition, and get out of the comparison trap of what it seems like other people are doing.
With this method, you can see what your life looks like a year from now and literally write your future.
Go On A Social Media Cleanse
Doing a social media detox has a way of clearing our minds in a much different capacity than New Year resolutions. A social media detox helps you reflect and refresh before you take back control of what you see when you log on to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and any other major social media app.
Don’t be afraid to delete someone, or at least mute them, if they’re posting statuses and snapshots that make you channel negative energy. Doing a digital detox can help you focus on having your dream year and what you really hope it will look like in every aspect of your life. It’s not necessarily being self-absorbed, but more so being determined to keep your inner peace. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with that.
Think About How To Help Others
One of the things that has turned me off from New Year resolutions is the idea that they can make us only think about ourselves. We want to lose weight, we want to up our fashion game, we want to get married, we want to travel, etc., etc., etc. But taking our eyes off of ourselves and even our own resolutions and focusing on how to help someone else can really make our years take a turn…in a pleasantly surprising way.
The reason I’ve accomplished my resolutions in the past is because they were all about me and how I felt like I needed to improve. But if we can shift our perspective and intentionally look at people around us who need help, it will make for a life-changing year.
