After the nightmare hellscape that was 2020, the new year is a welcome change. Sure, time is a construct and things don’t magically change on January 1st, but it is as good a time as any to reset and refocus. What’s not good is making resolutions that you probably won’t keep. 80% of the resolutions people make will fail by February. So what should you do instead? Don’t make a bunch of drastic, life-changing goals. Here are a few ideas:
We’re still in the midst of a pandemic, and even with a vaccine, it won’t be going away any time soon. This means more staying home, staying safe, and less opportunities to get out. All of this causes stress, so taking care of yourself is vital. It’s not always easy, I know. Find ways to focus on things that make you happy, whether it’s taking time to watch a movie and play a video game, or finding a few minutes to go for a walk. Do small things that bring you joy on a regular basis and you’ll notice a difference.
In our 2019 No Bullshit Guide to New Year’s Resolutions, we encouraged you to get out of your comfort zone in smaller, incremental ways. Say yes to opportunities that come your way, especially if, like me, you’re apt to become a hermit and keep to yourself. Push against that – do more and try new things, (while obviously staying safe). Sometimes those opportunities you say yes to can turn into bigger better things in the long run.
Speaking of becoming a hermit, the pandemic is giving everyone a reason to lock themselves away and disconnect from the people in your life. Connecting with others is good for your mental health, and can help you get through these crazy times we’re living in. Join a zoom happy hour with friends, watch a movie together with Teleparty, or hit up Roll20 and find a D&D group to play with. You don’t even have to leave the house!
The point is, there are a lot of ways to connect with others even if you can’t see them face to face. Don’t forget how important it is.
In this week’s episode of Heavy Conversation, Jody talks about setting intentions as opposed to resolutions. What’s the difference? According to Psychology Today, [an] intention is a positive call to action about something you want to do, rather than something you don’t want to do but feel that you “should.” You don’t have to make a weight loss goal just because that’s what you’ve always been told you’re supposed to do. Instead, set an intention to spend more of your time doing the activities you enjoy. You’ll find that you’re happier and spending more time doing something that actually feels good to you.
There are a lot of other things you can focus on in 2021 that have nothing to do with crappy resolutions. Take a look at the aforementioned No-Bullshit Guide above and if that’s not enough, check out our still very relevant 5 New Year’s Resolutions That Don’t Involve Weight Loss article from a few years ago.
What are your goals, intentions and plans for 2021? Tell us in the comments or on social!
