January 1st seems like the perfect date to kick a habit. Start fresh. Turn over a new leaf. Commit to a new challenge. Make change. And while goal setting can be a positive and reinforcing task, kicking off the year with the mindset “New Year, New Me” isn’t always motivating, healthy or productive.
Rather, there’s quite a lot of pressure to make changes related to your body (according to a recent poll, 38% of all resolutions are to exercise more while 33% are to lose weight), which can lead to some pretty unhealthy behaviour— both physically and mentally. And when these resolutions aren’t stuck to (only 8% of people maintain them throughout the year), this can leave you feeling even less motivated and self-confident. And no one needs that.
Starting 2020 at Knix, we’re saying “thank you, next” to resolutions. Instead, we’re proposing you make 3 lists. Sounds like a lot of work? It’s super easy! Read on to find out how to get started on your new New Year’s tradition.
List 1: What are you grateful for?
Instead of making resolutions, first take some time to reflect on the year behind you. Take stock of what you accomplished, the people you met, the relationships that flourished, the skills you learned. Think of events that were special to you, how you grew, and the friends and family that were alongside you. Anything that you’re grateful for applies! Those jeans that make your butt look amazing. Your health. The sunset you caught one evening. Your favorite show. Finally grabbing coffee with an old pal. That note a special someone left you. No matter how big or small, meditate on it all.
List 2: What are you looking forward to?
After reflecting on 2019, it’s time to look forward to 2020. Are there any moments you’re counting down to? Vacations? New cities to visit? Big life events? Are you looking forward to learning something new, or perfecting a craft? Is there a hobby you’d like to dive into or a book that’s been waiting on your shelf? Are one of your kids hitting a milestone? Family gatherings, birthdays, summer BBQs? List them all, it’s time to start getting excited for the year ahead.
List 3: What do you do well?
Resolutions focus on what you need to change. Pause that. Who says you need to change? For your last list, it’s time to focus on all the best parts of you. What are all the things that make you unique? What are all the things you love about yourself? What are your talents? Your favorite features? You’re perfect just the way you are, and that includes your flaws, weaknesses, and everytime you choose to scroll through Netflix for 3 hours before picking something. It’s time to celebrate all those aspects of yourself.
Instead of expending energy on what you’d like to change, make your final list one filled with anti-resolutions: things you won’t change because they are uniquely you.