
Hot take: I still believe in New Year’s resolutions.
I’m sure we’ve all heard it. What’s the point of making a New Year’s resolution? You’re just going to break it a few days in. Because you have a whole year to do it, you’re going to procrastinate. Most people never actually complete them and then end up being upset about it. Why should I bother?
I’m sure we can all agree that 2020 has been quite the year. As a natural planner, this year has been extremely tough for me. It’s hard to plan ANYTHING when you don’t know when things will open up again or when things will go back to “normal” (especially when you like to plan things like half marathons with lots of people and trips to Disneyworld!). Everything seems so up in the air right now.
That being said, we are starting 2021 in a different position than 2020. at the end of 2019 we didn’t realize how much of an impact COVID would have on the world. But now as we near the end of 2020 we do have an idea what at least the beginning of 2021 will be like. And we can only go up from here, right?

Here are some tips on how to make some New Year’s resolutions that you’ll actually stick to this year:
Take the Time to Brainstorm
A crisp white sheet of paper, a new page in your planner and some coloured pens and markers go a long way. Try and sit in a place with lots of natural light, and really think about the things you want to accomplish this year. We now know how are lives are affected by the pandemic, and we can start to plan things accordingly.
Don’t be Vague
Saying “I want to work out more” or “I want to eat less takeout” is asking for trouble. Technically if you don’t work out at all and then you work out once on January 1st, you’ll have completed your resolution. Will that bring you joy? I like to think of my resolutions as goals – so make sure they are S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound). By giving yourself an end-date (which doesn’t have to be December 31), it gives you something to strive for. For example, one of my running goals this year is to run 700 KM before December 31, 2021.
Write Them Down
When I used to study for exams in university, I found that writing my own notes would help me remember more than just reading the text book. Writing down your resolutions makes them real. You are likely to hold yourself more accountable if you write it down because then you can refer back to it later.
Post Them Where You Can See Them
Once you write down your new year’s resolutions, post them somewhere that you can see them every day. By seeing your resolutions in front of you, you are more likely to hold yourself accountable and keep motivated. This year, on top of my resolutions I decided to create an inspiration board and hung it on the wall where I can see it every day!

Tell a Friend
Having someone cheer you on can help you reach your resolutions if you start to lose sight of the end goal. Have them do regular check-ins to see how you’re doing.
I don’t know about you, but I enjoy using the beginning of every week, month and year as an opportunity to start fresh. If I’ve had a bad day, I know that there’s always a new day tomorrow and a good night’s sleep usually helps.

We have to give ourselves some grace, as none of us have been anything like this before. So let’s start 2021 on a positive note, shall we? What are your New Year’s resolutions and goals for 2021? I’d love to hear them!
Stay safe, and happy holidays from my family to yours.
