new year's resolution assignment

The new year means new beginnings — and new resolutions. Whether your students hope to become stronger readers or aim to be more compassionate toward one another, the new year is the perfect time to help them reflect upon what they need to do to achieve their goals.

These 31 new year writing prompts will inspire your students to reflect on the past year, set realistic goals and resolutions, and look ahead to a bright future to make 2024 even more successful!

1. What are your resolutions for this new year?

2. Why is it important to make new year’s resolutions?

3. What was the best thing that happened to you this past year?

4. What are you most looking forward to this new year?

5. This year will be a year of…

6. In what ways were your kind to your friends, family, and teachers this past year?

7. What can you do this new year to be a good friend?

8. What can you do this new year to show gratitude for your friends, family, and teachers?

9. This new year, I’m grateful for…

10. This new year, I can’t wait to…

11. What new adventures would you like to go on this year?

12. Can you describe your most memorable new year?

13. Why is the new year important to you?

14. Have you made a new year’s resolution before? What was it?

15. Does your family have any new year’s traditions? What are they?

16.  What can you do to make this new year even more special than last?

17.  Before this year ends, I will…

18.  The best book I read last year was ________ because…

19.  The book I’m most looking forward to reading this year is ________ because…

20.  This new year, I can’t wait to learn about…

21.  This new year, I hope I’m able to…

22.  What will you need to do to achieve your goals and keep your resolutions in the new year?

23.  What can we do as a class this new year to be more kind to one another?

24.  How can your classmates and teachers help you achieve your goals and resolutions?

25.  How can you help your classmates and teachers achieve their goals and resolutions?

26.  In what ways can you practice empathy this year?

27.  Describe a time when you helped a classmate or teacher. How did you feel afterward?

28. What was the most fun part of the year in class for you?

29. What are you most excited to do in class next year?

30. What can you do next year to be helpful at home and at school?

31. What was the most interesting thing you’ve learned this year?

Combining daily writing exercises with extended class or small-group discussion will help your students set realistic, yet meaningful, goals to make the new year even more successful than the last. By encouraging your students to really reflect on the new year and what it means to make and keep resolutions, they’ll be prepared to overcome any challenge they may encounter along the way — and help their friends and classmates do the same!

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FREE 2024 New Year’s Resolutions Worksheet for Middle School Students

Just updated for the 2024 new year.

New Year’s Resolutions Worksheet – updated Wed Dec 27, 2023 : This FREE Reading Comprehension activity has over 43,729 downloads!

This EASY NO PREP Critical Thinking and Social Emotional Learning activity includes:

• “Anti-Motivational” Motivational letter for Middle School Students (New Year’s Resolution Reading Comprehension PDF)
• Critical Thinking Discussion Questions
• Brainstorming handouts
• Writing activity + rubric
• 20 motivational videos (for IN-PERSON or ONLINE learning. )

PRINT the PDF  or EDIT the Google Docs or Microsoft Word files.

This 2024 New Year’s Resolution Reading Comprehension PDF might get through to your Middle School students…

It’s sarcastic. It’s witty. It’s here.

Here’s a FUNNY New Year’s Resolution Activity for Middle School and High School students.

Is this a motivational letter? Or an anti-motivational letter?

• Read the “anti-motivational” motivational letter
• Reading Comprehension Questions  (2 pages)
• Point of View / Media Literacy Questions  (2 pages)
• Was this written by ChatGPT?
• Should ChatGPT be allowed in School?  (debate lesson)
• Just because I say I didn’t copy ChatGPT, doesn’t me that I didn’t plagiarize

Lots of people think of New Year’s Resolutions as a joke.

(Actually, lot of people think of goal setting in general as wishy-washy. After all, we try to set goals, they don’t come true. Therefore goal setting doesn’t work. Right?)

So, here’s a 2024 New Year’s Resolution worksheet to use with your Middle School students in January 2024. (Or February… depending on when you find this webpage.)

Think of it from a Social-Emotional Learning skills perspective:

The real benefit of trying to keep New Year’s Resolutions is to build resilience

Trying to stick to that New Year’s goal create opportunities to level up our ability to bounce back (quicker) when we get knocked down.

(Read more in the introduction letter )

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024!!!

Chances are, you’re panicking about what to teach the first week back in 2024. The Sunday Scaries are always worse after you’re coming back from a break.

January is a chance to reboot your classroom. It’s a fresh start.

Hopefully, you get a chance to relax and recharge over the upcoming winter holidays.

Here’s a free, quick, and easy writing activity that you can do with your older elementary students, middle school students, and high school students.

It’s perfect for the last few days of school in 2023 or the first days in 2024!

All you have to do is print the PDF and give it to your students.

Psst. You also get a Google Doc version and a Microsoft WORD version so you can edit the handouts and the rubric to fit your specific classroom needs and teaching style.

And, for those of you who use Easel by TpT, you get that version as well!

The handouts will walk you through the brainstorming process and help your students write a paragraph about a New Year’s Resolution.

New Year’s Resolution 2024 Free Lesson Overview:

• Use this 2024 New Year Resolution Worksheet with your class. Print the handout package and teach. (Or, use the distance online learning version!)
• Show this quick 2 minute New Year’s Resolution Motivational Video to encourage them to JUST START!
• Use this Goal Setting for Students Slideshow lesson to walk them through how to work harder, and not smarter.
• Every day, show a different goal setting video from this YouTube play list .
• Look at the complete lesson plan below for more info.

2024 New Year’s Resolutions Worksheet Table of Contents

• Worksheet #1: GOODBYE 2023!
• Worksheet #2: HELLO 2024!
• Worksheet #3: My New Year’s Resolution
• Worksheet #4: My New year’s resolution – written paragraph.
• Worksheet #5: My New Year’s Resolution – rubric
• Worksheet #1: GOODBYE PAST!
• Worksheet #2: HELLO FUTURE!
• Worksheet #3: Brainstorm HOW to achieve your goal
• Worksheet #4: Goal – written paragraph
• Worksheet #5: Paragraph Writing Rubric
• First Week of School – New Year’s Resolution (lesson plan)
• Student Resolutions about Character
• Examples of 2024 New Year Resolutions for Teachers

GOODBYE 2023! New Year’s Resolutions Worksheet (PDF page 1)

Students brainstorm all of the great moments from 2023 as well as the tough obstacles they had to face….

We provide the students with 3 categories: In class , at school , and outside of school

But of course, you could modify this for other categories: academic moments, social moments, extracurricular moments, family moments

You could also split the categories based on subjects at school …

Get the FREE worksheet

HELLO 2024! New Year’s Resolutions Worksheet (PDF page 2)

The new year is a great time to set goals. we call these new year’s resolutions.

Students look back at the first handout and think about what happened in 2023… What do you want to improve? What do you wish you could change?

Students are then given space to brainstorm things they want to do more of and things they want to do less of in 2024…

THIS YEAR, I WILL . . .

. . . do more of this, . . .do less of that, my 2024 goals brainstorming new year’s resolutions worksheet (pdf page 3), step 3: brainstorm how to achieve one of your new year’s resolution goals.

Now that we have brainstormed a list of things we want to do more of and things we want to do less of, it’s time to develop an idea in detail.

Students have to choose to do one of these New Year’s resolution goals. The criteria is to decide which goal would improve their life the most year and to write that down:

This year, I will ___________________________________ .

Students then fill out the mind web graphic organizer and fill out thought bubbles to different prompts to help them think more about their goal:

• Describe what you want to improve.
• What can you do to improve this situation? Why will these actions were?
• How will doing this make your life better? What would feel like if you achieve the school?

Pro tip: all of the prompts on this graphic organizer can be edited in the Google Doc or the Microsoft Word document.

My New Year’s Resolution Paragraph New Year’s Resolutions Worksheet (PDF page 4)

Step 4: write out a paragraph describing your new year resolution.

Students are given space to write a paragraph about their New Year’s Resolution!

The handout gives prompts to help them organize their paragraph and to include enough supporting details to develop their idea

• What is your goal?
• Describe what you can do to improve the situation and how this will help.
• Explain how doing this resolution will make your life better and explain what it will feel like if you achieve this goal.
• Summarize your goal.

For younger students…

• you might decide this to do this as a class writing activity.

For older elementary students and middle school students…

• this might be an opportunity to assess paragraph writing skills.

For older middle school students and high school students…

• you might modify this to become a five paragraph essay.

Paragraph Writing Rubric New Year’s Resolutions Worksheet (PDF page 5)

Step 5: use the new year’s resolution paragraph rubric to assess the ideas, organization, and writing conventions..

We provide a rubric with four levels to assess three writing areas:

Level 4 (A, 80% – 100%)

Level 3 (B, 70% – 80%)

Level 2 (C, 60% – 70%)

Level 1 (D, 50% – 60%)

• You answered all of the guiding questions. You very clearly explain your New Year’s resolution with strong support.
• You answered all the guiding questions. Your New Year’s resolution is clear and you have good support.
• You tried to answer the guiding questions. Your paragraph is a little bit confusing because there’s not enough support or there are irrelevant details.
• You answered few of the guiding questions. There really isn’t a central idea in your paragraph. There’s not enough support or there are too many irrelevant details.

Organization

• Your writing is effectively organized in a logical manner that really prove your point. Your ideas flow very well. You have an engaging introduction linked to your conclusion.
• Your writing is organized and guides the reader through your support. Your ideas flow well. You have a clear introduction and summarize your point in your conclusion
• The organization of your paragraph is mechanical. You have a list of facts or ideas that are not well connected. Your introduction or conclusion may not be well developed or make sense.
• There isn’t a clear sense of direction with your ideas. Your ideas are loosely or randomly strung together. Ineffective or missing introduction and conclusion

Writing Conventions (capitalization, grammar usage, punctuation, spelling)

• You have strong mastery of standard writing conventions. There may be a few errors due to experimentation.
• You have good control of writing conventions. The work is generally correct.
• There are several errors… but they don’t interfere with the readability
• There are many errors… I have trouble reading your paragraph.

Next section

Any time Goal Setting Personal Resolution PDF Worksheet

A New Year resolution for students is a chance to start fresh in 2024.

But, let’s be honest. Most of us ( including me ) won’t achieve our New Year goals.

Does that mean we should wait until January 2024 to set any goals?

Of course, not.

We can choose to improve starting today. (The hard part is choosing to try to improve.)

GOODBYE PAST!

Any time goal setting personal resolution handout (pdf page 1).

Goodbye Past!

Sometimes, we wait until the end of the year to look back and reflect on our lives – who we are and where we want to be, but, you can set goals any time you want use the table below to brainstorm all of the great moments you had in the past and the tough obstacles you had to face, hello future, any time goal setting personal resolution handout (pdf page 2).

Hello Future!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!

Think about that for a moment. We don’t have to wait until the New Year to set goals and resolutions! We can choose to get better starting today.

Look back at events in your past… We can’t always change what happens to us, but we can always change our attitude and our actions. What do you want to improve? Use the table below to brainstorm things you want to do more of and things you want to do less of…

My Personal Resolution – Brainstorm Ideas

Any time goal setting personal resolution handout (pdf page 3).

My Personal Resolution

Look back at your list of things you want to do more of and things you want to do less of.

Pretend you could only choose to do one of these goals. Which goal would improve your life the most? Write down that goal below. 

Starting today, I will _______________________________________________

Fill out the thought bubbles below to think more about this goal!

DESCRIBE what you want to improve.

WHAT can you do to improve this situation? Why will these actions work?

HOW will doing this make your life better? WHAT will it feel like if you achieve this goal?

My Personal Resolution – Paragraph

Any time goal setting personal resolution handout (pdf page 4).

My Personal Resolution – Goals Paragraph

Write a paragraph about your Personal Resolution! Make sure to include the following:

Paragraph Writing Rubric

Any time goal setting personal resolution handout (pdf page 5).

My Personal Resolution Paragraph Rubric

This is the same paragraph writing rubric as the New Year’s Resolution Paragraph Rubric above.

First Week of January 2024 – New Year’s Resolution Lesson Plan

Here’s a free lesson plan to help your students figure out goals to work on in January.

Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is coming up with something to write about.

So, I’ve given a few examples of New Year’s resolutions for students and teachers .

This New Year’s resolution writing activity can be as hands-on or hands-off as you wanted to be.

Day 1: Setting New Year’s Resolution Worksheet

Option 1: give your students the new year’s resolution pdf handout package..

• Print the 2024 New Year Resolution handouts package
• Students fill out the worksheet.

OPTION 2: Provide more structure in your class and guide students through each page of the handout.

Here’s are some ideas for a quick and easy New Years Resolution lesson plan:

• Start with some teacher-modeled writing . Do a think aloud about a New Year Resolution that you would do as a teacher. (See resolution examples below to get the conversation going)
• Do some shared writing . As a class, read through each page of the handout package. The class does the thinking and generates answers through a whole class discussion. The teacher does the writing on the board for the class. (Later on, when students are doing the independent work, if they get stuck, they can just use some ideas from the class conversation.
• Think-pair-share . Students work in smaller groups or partners to brainstorm obstacles from 2023 and ways to overcome these challenges. The class then comes back together to share ideas as a larger group.
• Students do independent writing . Now that we have a few examples as a class, students work independently and fill out their handout with their own ideas.
• Depending on the writing abilities of your students, the availability of support teachers, or how well your students can work independently, you might also choose to do guided writing where you work in a small homogeneous group of students and do a targeted lesson.

Watch the New Year’s Resolution Motivational Video: 1. Just Start

Watch the SEOT Step to Success 1: Just Start video and discuss.

• According to this video, what stops people from achieving their goals or New Year’s resolutions?
• Why do you think those obstacles stop people from even trying?
• How might this strategy help people to achieve their goal or New Year’s resolutions?
• Why might this strategy not help people to achieve their goals?

Day 2-5: SMART Goal Setting Slideshow

Use this 100 slide Social-Emotional Learning Goal Setting slideshow lesson to teach your students HOW to work smarter, and not harder.

The Ultimate Guide to Achieving your Goals and Dreams

• What is a goal?

Part 1:  Choose a Goal

Part 2:  Why?

Part 3:  Making SMART  goals

Part 4:  How do you Achieve your SMART Goal?

Part 5:  Check-In on your Goals

Part 6:  The Goal Setting Wheel of Success

Part 7: What Does Work Smarter Actually Mean?

Here’s a second SEOT Step to Success video on YouTube that you can show your class

Sample New Year Resolutions

55 examples of 2024 new year resolutions for students.

This year I’m going to…

• Read a new book once a month
• Spend 10 minutes every night reviewing my notes
• Ask more (or less) questions in class.
• Say hi to a new person every day
• Eat lunch with a different person every day
• Try a new sport
• Hang out at a different spot at recess
• Use my agenda more
• Come up with a way to remember due dates
• Get to class on time
• Go to class prepared with paper and pencils and all of my notes
• Try harder in gym/phys ed
• Check in on my New Year Resolution goals once a week (or even better, once a day) to give me the best chance of succeeding
• Try to stay 2m away from my friends while I’m at school
• Wash my hands (instead of just splashing water.)
• Listen first when I’m having a conversation with someone (instead of just sharing my ideas.)
• Raise my hand once per class to give an answer.
• Set aside homework time every day (and then actually work during that time. And, if I don’t have any work, then review my notes.)
• Use a calendar or agenda to write down homework.
• Try something new
• Choose to be brave
• Wonder. Just pause for a moment and wonder.
• Put away the technology an hour before bed.

Student resolutions about Character

Here are some New Year’s resolutions for students to help them work on Character and a Growth Mindset . (Psst. Here are some lesson plans about Character and teaching a Growth Mindset !)

This year, I’m going to…

• remind myself that how good I am at something is based on how hard I work (and not what I was born with.)
• Try to be better than who I was yesterday.
• Live life as though every day was a fresh start. I don’t have to be who I was yesterday.
• Try three times to restart my attitude when something goes bad (and try to find a bright side to the situation.)
• Try to not give up when things get tough by really trying three different things to solve a problem before I ask for help.
• Remind myself that I don’t have to constantly prove that I’m perfect (or the smartest/strongest/talented in the room.) If I make a mistake, it means that I can learn and become even better.
• Raise my hand and answer a teacher’s question at least once a day. (I may get the wrong answer, but I’m here to learn and grow better and the sooner I figure out my answer is wrong, the sooner I can try to figure out what the right answer is.)
• Try to choose to be in a growth mindset. Success is not based on what I was born with, but instead, success is based on how hard I work, how open I am to learning from my mistakes, how much I practice and train, and how often I don’t give up.
• Try to wonder how my mistakes and failure could be a good thing. Learning comes from failure so I need to think about what went wrong and what I could do differently next time.
• Try something else (a different strategy) when things don’t work (instead of just trying harder.)
• Do one thing at a time and focus on doing that task really well.
• Set a timer to remind myself to do my homework. I’m going to set aside 15 minutes every night to review my notes.
• Review instructions when I don’t understand something. I’m going to reread the handout slowly to see what I missed.
• Restart when I get frustrated or I can’t figure out the answer. (Sometimes a fresh start can help me see something that I didn’t see before.)
• Fail three times before I give up.
• Find a way to use the pain of hardship or failure to motivate myself to keep going
• Do things that other people aren’t willing to do. (That’s how you be extraordinary. Extra – ordinary.)
• Wake up early to do the important stuff.
• Work harder than the competition.
• Choose my attitude. This means when things go wrong (or things go right), I take a moment to think about two or three different ways that I could feel about the situation. I can’t always control what happens to me. But I can learn to control my attitude.
• Figure out how failing is critical to your personal growth. The more I try (legit try as opposed to fake try) and fail, the more opportunities I have to grow.
• Take it one step at a time (when things get tough.)
• Tell myself that is not over for me. I can pick myself up and keep going.
• Do things more from the heart.
• Live in the moment. This means thinking about what’s happening now (as opposed to always worrying or planning about the future.)
• Appreciate what I have. Find one thing to be thankful for every day.
• Work when I don’t want to.
• Take a risk.
• Have faith.
• Believe in yourself.
• Believe that you are okay.
• Take a chance and follow my passion.

25 Examples of 2024 New Year Resolutions for Teachers

• Go to sleep on time
• Stop procrastinating
• Show up to duty on time
• Be positive at staff meetings or speak up at staff meetings
• Say no. (It’s okay to say no. As good teachers we get caught up with helping everyone, everywhere. – It’s okay to set boundaries about what you can do or help out with over the school year. Be assertive and say no!)
• Keep up on the marking pile
• Mark less. Not everything needs a grade.
• Smile more (especially at the photocopier)
• Don’t sweat the small stuff
• Photocopy less
• Clean up my desk a little bit every day
• Communicate with parents more – send home sunshine information instead of only when there’s a problem
• Keep on top of my marking
• Finish my report cards on time
• Spend time with friends more
• Park 10 minutes away from school so I have to walk
• Only stay ____ min after the day ends (or whatever time is reasonable for you.)
• Make sure tomorrow’s lesson is ready before I leave school the day before
• Leave the school work at school.
• Go to the staff room and actually eat lunch with people
• Avoid the staff room because people vent in there (and it’s a toxic environment.)
• Drink more water.
• Use the bathroom more.
• Remind yourself you don’t need to be perfect – especially since we have all of these distance learning digital tools that we have to figure out!
• Ask for help.
• Offer help to someone before they ask.
• Be aware of your mental health. So many of us are burning out right now – especially now that we have to do so much more in our jobs!

Using a 2024 New Year’s Resolutions worksheet is a great way to start the new year. That’s because most of us think of January as a fresh start.

But we can set goals at any time.

Here’s a FREE no-prep goal setting worksheet for your students that will walk them through the brainstorming process. You can also modify the Google Docs or the Microsoft Word docs for your specific needs.

Study skills are more than just how to study. It’s about HOW to set goals and figuring out the “WHY” behind why we need to achieve this goal. It’s about the BIG PICTURE.

I may know HOW to study, but if I’m not motivated, or I’m just told I have to study, it may not mean anything. Achieving goals (like studying for a hard test) takes EFFORT so you need a solid “WHY” to pull you through.

Help students set New Year’s Resolutions for 2024, study goals, or any sort of Personal Resolutions (goals), any time of the year using this FREE writing assignment.

BONUS GOAL SETTING PERSONAL RESOLUTION HANDOUT

• I added a generic, works-any-time-of-the-year Personal Resolutions (goal setting) version of the 2024 New Year’s Resolution handout.
• We don’t have to wait until the New Year to set goals and improve. This FREE writing assignment helps students recognize that they can choose to get better starting today! 
• This Personal Resolutions handout is the exact same activity as the New Year’s 2024 Resolutions handout with a few minor changes.
• The handouts are identical on purpose. The point is, we can set goals anytime in the year. At the start of the school year or semester. After you get back a major assignment or report card. And yes, after New Year’s Eve!

Just because you set a New Year’s Resolution doesn’t mean you’ll achieve your goals…

I made this New Year’s Resolutions worksheet two years ago.

And, I kept up with my goals for a few weeks.

Then, I failed.

And even though, I could have re-started, I didn’t.

Now, if the guy making this free New Year’s Resolutions worksheet activity failed, what does that mean for you?

Nothing. You do you.

Whether or not, I fail or you fail (or lots of people fail their New Year’s goals) says nothing about your ability to achieve your goal next time.

But, chances are, if you do the same thing that you did last time, you’ll probably get a similar result.

Stay tuned. This post is a work in progress.

For now, just get the free worksheet package .

Here’s the rest of my post from 2020.

By the way, we’re also having a bonus “i already failed my new year’s resolution” contest (until feb 14, 2019):.

• To celebrate failure, and picking ourselves back up, I’m having a contest for people who downloaded/download this resource.
• This resource has been downloaded thousands of times! I’d like to find out what these people teach so I can make more resources for those grades and subjects!
• Enter the contest, and you could win 1 of 5  Educircles 21st Century MEGA Bundles !
• Read this part to find out 2 easy things to do to ENTER THE CONTEST!
• Read this part for contest specifics, details, terms, etc, etc, etc

By the way, this new year’s resolution 2024 handout won’t help most of your students achieve their goals.

No, the title wasn’t click-bait.

We really are offering a free resource package to do with your students to walk them through the goal setting process for the 2024 New Year.

(Just click the red button below to download it right away.)

The problem with these New Year Resolution Goal handouts (and every other worksheet like it) is that it’s a one-off. You do it with your class, and then you’re done.

Very few people (students or teachers) actually review their goals on a regular basis to see if they’re on track.

Most of us won’t think about our New Year Resolution goals again until the end of the year when we have to make a new year’s resolution for 2024.

It’s nothing personal – just human nature. Achieving goals (or anything worth achieving) takes hard work.

• Click here to read about why teachers and parents need to teach their students how to set and achieve goals.
• Or, just click here for a FREE Goal Setting slideshow for Elementary Students, Middle School and High School

Okay. Now back to this post about our completely FREE NEW YEAR’s RESOLUTION 2024 Paragraph Writing Activity!

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Free New Year’s Resolution Printables

The New Year is a great time to reflect on the past year. That’s why we’ve created these Free New Year’s Resolution Printables to help kids write out things they want to work on for the year.

RELATED: New Year’s Ideas for Kids

Free New Year’s Resolution Printables for Kids

We find that the hardest part of setting a goal is actually creating the goal in the first place.  That’s sort of why writing down and reflecting on your New Year’s goals and resolutions is such a great idea.

Kids and adults can benefit from writing out their New Year’s resolution and can even do it together!

There are 2 worksheets available.

The one you see above is a year in a review and then we also have a 2 page printable where kids have more space to draw and write out their resolutions:

The 2 page worksheet also has lines for kids to write their resolutions on:

And they can also draw their resolution:

Get the Free Printables Here

Grab the My Year in Review Printable

Grab the New Years Resolution Worksheets

Note – these printables are for personal use or school use only.

More New Years Activities

New Years Bingo

New Years Coloring Pages

Fireworks in a Jar

New Year's Eve Ideas for Kids

More new years ideas.

For more fun New Years Ideas – See 15 New Year’s Eves Ideas for kids.

Also try these other New Year’s ideas:

New Years Bingo – get 10 Free Printable bingo cards!

Also print off these New Years coloring pages!

Related Ideas:

Salt Painted Fireworks

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New year’s resolution template

Do you find yourself setting the same New Year’s resolutions each year? Break the cycle and finally reach your goals with our free New Year’s resolution templates and actionable success strategies!

New Year’s Resolution Templates

Here is a free printable new year’s resolution template that you can type on or print.

Using a New Year’s resolutions template is a great way to organize and track your goals for the upcoming year. Here are some elements that are included in the templates:

• Personal Development Goals: This section can include goals related to self-improvement, learning new skills, or personal growth . Examples might be reading a certain number of books, learning a new language, or practicing mindfulness.
• Career/Professional Goals: Here, you can focus on ambitions related to your career or professional life. This might include goals like earning a promotion, gaining a new qualification, or expanding your professional network.
• Health and Wellness Goals: Set goals for physical health, such as exercising regularly, eating healthier, or running a 5K. Mental health goals might include stress reduction techniques, therapy, or establishing a better work-life balance.
• Financial Goals: Include objectives related to your finances, such as saving a certain amount of money, investing, or cutting down on unnecessary expenses.
• Relationship Goals: Set targets for improving or maintaining relationships with family, friends, or a partner. This could involve scheduling regular family gatherings, making new friends, or working on communication skills in a relationship.
• Hobbies and Interests: Commit to spending time on activities you enjoy or want to explore more. This could be anything from painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument.
• Travel and Experiences: If you’re interested in exploring new places or trying new things, include goals related to travel or unique experiences.
• Community and Volunteering: Set goals to give back to your community, whether through volunteering, participating in local events, or supporting local businesses.

How to Set Effective New Year’s Resolutions

Setting effective New Year’s resolutions involves a thoughtful approach that focuses on realistic, attainable goals and a clear plan for achieving them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set and achieve effective New Year’s resolutions:

• Reflect on the Past Year: Start by reflecting on the past year. Consider what worked well, what didn’t, and what lessons you learned. This reflection can provide valuable insights into what goals are meaningful and achievable for you.
• Define Clear, Specific Goals: Vague resolutions are hard to achieve. Instead of saying “I want to get fit,” specify what that means for you, e.g., “I want to go to the gym three times a week” or “I want to run a 5K by June.”
• Specific: Be clear about what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Ensure you can track your progress.
• Achievable: Set goals that are realistic and attainable.
• Relevant: Choose resolutions that are truly important to you, aligning with your values and long-term objectives.
• Time-Bound: Set deadlines for your goals to keep you motivated.
• Break Down Larger Goals: If you have big goals, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes it easier to track progress and maintain motivation.
• Plan for Obstacles: Consider potential challenges you might face and plan how you’ll deal with them. This proactive approach can help you stay on track even when difficulties arise.
• Create a Support System: Share your goals with friends or family who can offer support and accountability. You might also join groups or communities with similar goals.
• Track Your Progress: Regularly monitor your progress. This could be as simple as marking off days on a calendar, keeping a journal, or using apps designed for goal tracking .
• Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate your achievements along the way. This can boost your motivation and commitment to your goals.
• Be Flexible and Adjust as Needed: Be prepared to reassess and adjust your goals as needed. Life circumstances change, and your goals may need to evolve in response.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Understand that setbacks are a normal part of any journey. Be kind to yourself if things don’t go as planned, and use setbacks as learning opportunities.

Remember, the most effective resolutions are those that lead to lasting, positive change. It’s more about the journey and what you learn along the way than just ticking off a list of goals.

To increase your chances of reaching your New Year’s resolutions, consider these additional strategies that complement the ones previously mentioned:

• Visualize Your Success: Spend time regularly visualizing yourself achieving your goals. This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence and motivation.
• Create a Routine: Build your goals into your daily or weekly routine. Consistency is key to forming new habits and reaching long-term objectives. See habits .
• Use Positive Affirmations: Positive affirmations can reinforce your commitment and belief in your ability to achieve your goals. Repeat affirmations that resonate with your objectives.
• Limit the Number of Resolutions: Focus on a few significant goals rather than a long list. Spreading yourself too thin can reduce your effectiveness and motivation.
• Focus on Who You Want to Become : In “ Atomic Habits ” by James Clear, the focus is shifted from what you want to do to who you want to become. Clear emphasizes the importance of identity-based habits, suggesting that true change starts with a change in self-perception. According to Clear, instead of merely setting goals based on what you want to do, it’s more effective to consider who you want to become. This approach is about aligning your actions with your identity. For example, instead of just saying, “I want to read more books,” you adopt the identity of someone who is a reader. This shift in perspective changes the focus from the outcome (reading more books) to becoming the kind of person who values reading and incorporates it into their lifestyle. By framing your habits around your desired identity, you’re not just ticking off tasks on a to-do list; you’re building a lifestyle that reflects the type of person you want to be. Each action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. This method makes habit formation more meaningful and sustainable, as it ties your habits to a deeper sense of self and purpose. In this way, “Atomic Habits” suggests a powerful paradigm shift: Don’t just focus on what you want to achieve, but rather on who you want to become through those achievements.
• Learn from Others: Seek out stories, books, or podcasts from people who have achieved similar goals. Learning from their experiences can provide valuable insights and inspiration. See the best self-help books .
• Focus on Process, Not Just Outcome: Enjoy the journey towards your goal, not just the destination. Celebrate small victories and the progress you make.
• Create a Conducive Environment: Modify your environment to support your goals. For example, if you want to eat healthier, stock your kitchen with healthy foods.
• Leverage Technology: Utilize apps and tools designed for goal setting and tracking. They can provide reminders, motivation, and a clear view of your progress.
• Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the progress you’ve made. Gratitude can improve your mood and motivation.
• Mindfulness and Stress Management: Regularly practicing mindfulness can keep you grounded and focused, making it easier to stay committed to your goals.
• Invest in Your Goals: Sometimes, investing money in your goals (like buying a gym membership or a course) can increase your commitment to them.
• Reframe Negative Thoughts: When you encounter negative thoughts, limiting beliefs , or self-doubt, actively reframe them into something positive or constructive.
• Stay Flexible and Adapt: Be open to modifying your goals as your circumstances, interests, or priorities change throughout the year.
• Get Enough Rest: Ensure you are well-rested. Lack of sleep can affect your mood, energy levels, and motivation.

By incorporating these strategies into your approach to New Year’s resolutions, you can greatly enhance your chances of success. Remember, the key is to find what works best for you and to remain adaptable and patient throughout the process.

New Year’s Resolution Ideas

Personal development goals:.

• Read 12 new books, one each month, from different genres.
• Complete an online course in a field of interest, like coding, photography, or creative writing.
• Practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes daily.
• Write a personal journal entry at least three times a week.
• Learn a new language to a conversational level using apps or classes.

Tip: Think about who you want to become! For example:

• Become a Lifelong Learner: Cultivate an identity centered around continuous learning and curiosity.
• Become a Mindful Individual: Embrace the identity of someone who practices mindfulness and self-awareness regularly.
• Become a Polyglot: Adopt the identity of someone who is multilingual and appreciates diverse cultures.

Career/Professional Goals:

• Aim for a specific promotion or role advancement within your company.
• Attend a professional workshop or conference in your field.
• Network by connecting with one new professional in your field each month.
• Improve a specific skill relevant to your job, such as public speaking or data analysis.
• Start a professional blog or LinkedIn articles to share your industry insights.
• Become a Leader in Your Field: Identify as a professional poised for growth and leadership in your industry.
• Become a Lifelong Networker: Cultivate an identity as someone who continuously expands their professional network and connections.
• Become a Knowledge Sharer: Embrace the role of an industry thought leader who contributes insights and knowledge.

Health and Wellness Goals:

• Exercise for 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
• Incorporate a plant-based meal into your diet at least twice a week.
• Run a 5K or participate in a fitness challenge.
• Schedule regular mental health check-ins with a therapist.
• Establish a nightly routine for better sleep, aiming for 7-8 hours.
• Become a Fitness Enthusiast: Identify as someone who prioritizes physical fitness and health.
• Become a Wellness Advocate: Embrace a lifestyle that balances physical and mental health, advocating for self-care.
• Become a Healthy Eater: Adopt the identity of someone who is conscious about their diet and nutrition.

Financial Goals:

• Save a specific amount each month for an emergency fund.
• Create and stick to a monthly budget, reducing unnecessary expenses.
• Invest in a retirement plan or start a personal investment portfolio.
• Learn about personal finance management through books or courses.
• Pay off a significant portion of any debts or loans.
• Become a Savvy Saver: Cultivate an identity as someone who is financially responsible and savings-oriented.
• Become an Investment-Minded Individual: Embrace the role of someone knowledgeable and proactive about investments and financial growth.
• Become Debt-Free: Adopt an identity focused on financial freedom and independence.

Relationship Goals:

• Organize a monthly family game or movie night.
• Start a new tradition with friends, like a monthly dinner or outing.
• Attend couples counseling or relationship workshops for strengthening bonds.
• Regularly call or visit distant family members or friends.
• Volunteer together with a partner or family to build shared experiences.
• Become a Family Connector: Cultivate an identity as someone who values and nurtures family bonds.
• Become a Social Builder: Embrace the role of someone who actively invests in friendships and social connections.
• Become a Community Contributor: Identify as someone who actively participates and contributes to their community and relationships.

Hobbies and Interests:

• Take up a new hobby like painting, knitting, or gardening.
• Join a club or group related to your interest, like a book club or hiking group.
• Dedicate time each week to practice a musical instrument.
• Participate in a local amateur sports team or league.
• Create a personal project, like building a piece of furniture or starting a blog.
• Become a Creative Explorer: Adopt the identity of someone who regularly engages in and explores creative outlets.
• Become a Club Enthusiast: Embrace the role of an active member in clubs or groups that align with your interests.
• Become an Artistic Hobbyist: Cultivate an identity as someone who consistently dedicates time to their hobbies and crafts.

Travel and Experiences:

• Plan and go on a dream vacation to a new country.
• Explore local tourist attractions in your own city or region.
• Try new experiences like skydiving, scuba diving, or cooking classes.
• Attend a cultural festival or event different from your own culture.
• Go on a wilderness camping trip or a guided nature trek.
• Become a Global Explorer: Embrace the identity of a person who seeks out new cultures and experiences through travel.
• Become a Local Adventurer: Identify as someone who actively explores and appreciates the local environment and attractions.
• Become an Experience Seeker: Cultivate an identity as someone who is always open to trying new and diverse experiences.

Community and Volunteering:

• Volunteer regularly at a local charity, shelter, or community center.
• Participate in community clean-up or tree-planting events.
• Join a local community board or council.
• Organize or participate in a fundraiser for a local cause.
• Support local businesses and artisans by buying locally.
• Become a Community Helper: Embrace the role of someone who regularly contributes to community welfare through volunteering.
• Become an Environmental Steward: Adopt an identity focused on environmental conservation and community beautification.
• Become a Local Advocate: Cultivate an identity as someone who supports and promotes local causes and businesses.

These ideas can be customized to fit your personal interests and lifestyle. The key is to set goals that are meaningful and achievable for you.

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17 Printable New Year’s Resolutions Templates for 2024

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As the New Year approaches, we all have the opportunity to evaluate how life is going and commit to the steps necessary to make things better.

The New Year is a chance to prioritize personal development plans and create new habits that improve the overall quality of our lives.

If you think these are worthy goals, you might want to use a New Year’s resolution template to help clarify what you want to accomplish.

Table of Contents

Things to Keep in Mind When Creating New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions often get a bad rap, largely because they just don’t seem to work. People are often full of determination when they create resolutions in January, but their enthusiasm often fizzles out by March.

However, if you do it right, your New Year’s resolutions can provide incredible opportunities to make your life better.

Here are some things to remember when making your resolutions for the coming New Year:

• Stick to a few goals. Don’t spread yourself too thin by coming up with dozens of resolutions at once. Having a limited number of resolutions allows you to allocate sufficient energy to each one. You can always create a new resolution once you’ve accomplished one of the things on your list.
• Create an action plan. Most people fail at their New Year’s resolutions because they don’t have a system for accomplishing them. Through an action plan , you can draw up a process that involves the activities, resources, and timeline involved to accomplish your resolutions.
• Have someone help you out. Consider sharing your plan with a trusted individual . Having someone else on board as you work toward your New Year’s goals increases your sense of accountability and raises your chances of success.
• Reward yourself for every success, no matter how small. Don’t wait until you’ve accomplished a major goal or resolution to reward yourself. A recent study reveals that early rewards increase people’s motivation to pursue their goals. Check out over 150 awesome Ways to Reward Yourself for Reaching Your Goals .

The following templates will help you get started creating your New Year’s resolutions and developing a system for accomplishing them. Enjoy!

1. New Year’s Resolution

Download the PDF

Make a fresh start this new year with our very own template to help you create rock-solid New Year’s resolutions. This template features three main sections. The first section is for “Things to Do Better” and contains a blank checklist for you to write up to 13 resolutions.

The second section is titled “New Skills to Learn” and gives you another blank checklist to list the things you want to learn about during the upcoming year. [ Here are over 100 suggestions of new skills to learn for the new year. ]

Finally, the Notes section has more than enough space to write down vital information related to the resolutions you’ve listed in the first two sections.

2. Ready Get Set Goal

This template helps you prepare a solid New Year’s resolution that you’ll be motivated to follow through on. There are spaces where you can list down different types of resolutions, such as:

• Occupational

The second half of the template is dedicated to writing down items for your bucket list that you want to accomplish for the year.

This template is downloadable in A5 and US Letter sizes and comes in blue, gray, and pink versions.

3. This Year I Will… Resolution Worksheet

If you are looking for a template that allows you to focus on improving important aspects of your life, you might want to consider using this one.

This template lets you write down several key New Year’s resolutions that you’re most likely to accomplish in the coming months.

Unlike other templates that provide spaces for you to list down your resolutions, this template/worksheet has writing prompts for you to reflect on what you want to achieve in life. Some of these include:

• What you want to learn this year
• Where you want to visit
• What you want to make time for

4. The Best Year

Use this colorful template to reflect on the year that has just finished, as well as to draw up resolutions for the new year.

This template provides writing prompts that help you reflect on how well you fared during the previous year.

There are questions that encourage you to recall favorite memories of the year, as well as hard lessons you’ve learned during this period.

More importantly, this template helps you plan new resolutions that revolve around personal development, such as writing about new things you want to try and ways you can help others during the coming year.

5. New Year’s Resolution Promise List

This template features three columns that are useful when keeping track of all your New Year’s resolutions.

The first column has enough space to list up to 15 resolutions or goals.

Although entirely optional, you can write a specific deadline for each of your goals using the middle column.

Finally, you can use the last column to keep track of whether you’ve accomplished a certain New Year’s resolution or not.

6. My Personal Resolution

This template has been designed primarily as part of a class activity to help students craft their New Year’s resolutions.

The template comes with several guide questions and enough space for writing in paragraph form and one’s major New Year’s resolution or goal.

Accessing this free worksheet requires signing up for a free account at Teachers Pay Teachers.

7. New Year’s Resolutions List

Do you enjoy making lists?

If so, this example is worth considering.

This template helps you start the new year with mindfulness and intention. It allows you to explore activities you can incorporate into your life so that it will be richer and more meaningful.

The template features nine boxes containing blank bulleted lists. Each box also contains prompts that help you create a list of resolutions associated with them.

Some of these prompts include:

• Places to visit
• Hobbies to try
• Good deeds to do
• Habits to break

8. Looking Back At/Looking Ahead to Worksheet

This worksheet contains prompts that encourage appreciation for the year that just ended, as well as a deeper reflection of how you want life to be as the new year arrives.

It is easy to use. The entire page is divided into two columns. The left-hand side of the page is dedicated to reflections about the ending year. Meanwhile, the writing prompts on the right-hand side of the page are for you to look ahead to the new year more mindfully.

There is enough space after each prompt/guide question to write down your answers.

9. One Word Resolutions

If you are interested in working on your New Year’s resolutions with other people, here’s a template that you might want to try.

This set of printables features several one-word resolutions. You can print out the page and cut out the fringes so that each person can take a word that they’ve chosen to work on for the new year.

It is always interesting to see what words your friends and loved ones pick for their resolutions. This can give you an insight into what kind of people they are.

If spending more time with your loved ones is one of your top New Year’s resolutions, this activity is a great way to do it.

10. New Year Memories and Resolutions Printable

Looking for a simple template to help craft your New Year’s resolutions?

This set of templates provides a system for creating new goals for the coming year.

In addition, this one-page template has a section containing writing prompts that allow you to reminisce on the year that has just ended. It allows you to recall some of your most meaningful memories, such as:

• Something that made you laugh
• Something that made you thankful
• Something that made you proud

After these reflections, you can write about your resolutions with the help of the writing prompts. For example:

• Something you want to give
• Something you want to improve on
• Something you want to learn

11. Want, Need, Share, Succeed

Setting New Year goals can be a good family activity. It helps family members bond.

If there are children in the family, setting New Year’s resolutions together introduces them to goal setting, which is an essential life skill for success.

You can use this template to provide structure to your family’s New Year’s resolutions. There are writing prompts where you simply fill in the blanks with the answers you feel are most appropriate.

12. Yearly Resolutions with Monthly Goals

This colorful template from Moritz Fine Designs helps you determine your main goals for the new year.

It features 12 boxes for each month of the year, where you can write down the sub-goals or action plans that will support your major resolution.

13. New Year’s Goal Sheets

Here’s a set of templates to help clarify any type of goal, including New Year’s resolutions, as well as organize everything (e.g., sub-goals, action plans, timelines, etc.) you need to do in order to achieve these goals.

This four-page template has the following features:

• A cover page
• A main goal page
• A weekly goals page
• A monthly goals page

14. New Year’s Bucket List

Why not start working on your bucket list by using some ideas from your New Year’s resolutions?

Here’s a template to help you do precisely that.

It has several suggestions for what you can do this year, based on what’s often found in bucket lists. With this template you can specify:

• A dish you want to cook
• A book you want to read
• Food you want to eat
• Somewhere/someone you want to visit
• Something you want to watch
• Something you want to let go of

15. The Wheel of Wellness New Year’s Resolution Worksheet

This template is ideal if you want to create major changes in your life for the new year.

It allows you to take a closer look at your level of happiness in each area of your life. If you’re not satisfied with how things are going, you can create actionable steps to change things.

This template has helpful reminders and guide questions to explore how you feel about each area in your life. It also provides a worksheet for writing your SMART goals for overall wellness.

16. New Year’s Resolution for Kids

One of the best ways to introduce children to goal setting is by letting them join in the fun of making their own New Year’s resolutions.

This template provides five thought starters—writing prompts that help your kids plan enriching and fun activities they’d like to do for the year ahead.

The creator of this template suggests keeping the filled-in sheets and putting them in a scrapbook. This way, you and your kids can look back at the goals they’ve accomplished through the years.

You can access the free printable by scrolling down to the section “Kids’ New Year’s Resolution Printable” and clicking on the image of the template. This redirects you to a PDF version of the template that you can directly print or save in your computer for future use.

17. Categorized New Year’s Resolutions

This template is designed to help keep your New Year’s resolutions organized. It has separate sections for your small goals ( short-term ) and end goals ( long-term ) for the upcoming year.

There is also space designated for your quote of the year to keep you inspired as you work on accomplishing your resolutions.

Spaces are also provided for writing down your personal and professional resolutions. Also included in this template are a weekly planner and an undated monthly planner/calendar for the entire year to help you focus on achieving your goals.

Final Thoughts on New Year's Resolution Templates

Using a New Year’s resolution template can give you clarity about the things that you want to change in your life as a new year rolls in. It is also an opportunity for creating a system for applying these positive changes.

We hope you have found a favorite among the template examples featured today.

If you need more resources related to setting goals and creating new habits, the following posts are worth a visit:

• How to Build New Habits That Stick [the Ultimate Guide]
• Resolutions vs Goals: Which Is Better for Your Success?
• 22 Goal Ideas to Set and Achieve for a Better Year
• 101 New Skills: Learn Something New
• 37 Printable Habit Tracker Templates
• 11 Personal Development Plan Templates & Printables

Teacher’s Brain

Elementary Educational Resources, Ideas, and Lesson Plans

10 Inspiring New Year’s Resolution Ideasand Activities for Students

Hey friend! Can you believe it’s that time again – the transition from one year to the next? Have you been thinking about New Year resolution ideas? I know I have! I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can make the upcoming year special for our kiddos. You know, sprinkle in a little magic and set the stage for growth. 

So, I thought, why not get our students excited about some New Year’s resolutions? If you’ve been looking for the perfect New Year activities for kids or New Year activities for students, you’re in the right place. Let’s help them stride into the New Year with purpose and a sprinkle of fun.

What is the best New Year’s resolution for kids? Here are some ideas to get you started! 

Read more books.

Encourage a love for reading by setting a goal for the number of books to read in the upcoming year. Create a reading log or a fun book tracker where students can mark off each book they complete.

Practice Kindness

Foster a caring and supportive classroom environment by encouraging students to set resolutions focused on kindness. Whether it’s helping a classmate, being a good listener, or performing random acts of kindness, these resolutions contribute to a positive classroom culture.

Healthy Habits

Teach the importance of physical well-being by setting resolutions related to health. This could include goals like eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, or engaging in regular physical activity.

Organize Schoolwork

Help students develop valuable organizational skills by setting resolutions related to their school materials. Whether it’s keeping a tidy desk, organizing their backpack, or turning in assignments on time, these resolutions promote responsibility.

Learn Something New

Encourage a love for continuous learning by having students set resolutions to acquire new skills or knowledge. This could involve learning a musical instrument, mastering a new language, or exploring a particular subject in-depth.

Mindful Moments

Introduce the practice of mindfulness by encouraging students to set resolutions focused on being present and self-aware. Simple activities like deep breathing exercises or short moments of reflection can make a big difference in promoting a positive mindset.

Goal-setting Galore

Teach the importance of setting achievable goals. Have students break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This not only helps in achieving success but also instills a sense of accomplishment.

Family Bonding

Foster strong family connections by encouraging resolutions centered around spending quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a weekly family game night, cooking together, or sharing stories, these resolutions strengthen family ties.

Environmental Stewardship

Instill a sense of responsibility for the environment by setting resolutions related to sustainability. This could involve reducing waste, recycling, or participating in a community clean-up project.

Gratitude Journaling

Foster a positive outlook by encouraging students to keep a gratitude journal. Have them write down one thing they are thankful for each day. This simple practice can enhance their overall well-being and perspective on life.

If you’re looking or New Year activities for students that you can easily do with little to no prep, I have you covered! 

Check Out This New Year’s Resolution Writing Craft

Are you looking for a New Year’s writing activity to help students understand resolutions and goals? This NO PREP activity is great to use in both boy and girl versions to create goals for the new year and an easy bulletin board!

What is in the download?

• a vocabulary poster for the word /RESOLUTION/
• 3 Boy Options
• 5 Girl Options
• 1 Blank head to create your own (add a face and hair)
• 4 different writing prompt pages (With and without hands on the side, Primary and Intermediate lined)
• 2 Rough Drafts (Primary and Intermediate lined)

Looking for more New Year fun? Check out my post here! 

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Goal Getting

50 essential new year’s resolutions for 2024 (a holistic approach).

Ever wondered why most New Year’s resolutions don’t survive past February? It’s because they often target isolated aspects of our lives, neglecting the broader picture of our well-being. This year, we’re taking a different route — one that considers the whole you. Introducing the 6 Focus Priorities of Life, a balanced blend of your Outer and Inner Worlds, designed to harmonize every facet of your life.

The Outer World encompasses the tangible aspects: your Family & Relationships, Wealth & Money Satisfaction, and Career and Work. It’s what others can see, the part of your life you present to the world.

The Inner World , however, delves deeper, focusing on your Mental Strength, Physical Health, and Spiritual Wellness. This is the private sphere where your true self resides and thrives.

Why this dual approach? Because true fulfillment comes from nurturing both worlds. A lucrative career (Outer World) means little without mental peace (Inner World). Thriving relationships (Outer World) are richer when supported by spiritual wellness (Inner World). This year, let’s not just change habits; let’s transform our lives from the inside out and the outside in. Are you ready for a journey that’s as deep and wide as your aspirations? Let’s dive in.

The 6 Focus Priorities of Life

Picture your life as a garden. The Outer World is the part everyone sees — the lush lawn, blooming flowers, and sturdy trees. It’s where your social, financial, and professional achievements live. But beneath the surface lies the Inner World, the soil and roots that nourish and stabilize — your thoughts, health, and spirit. Both worlds must be tended to for the garden to flourish.

Outer World Priorities:

• Family & Relationships : These are the people who see your garden every day. Nurturing these connections ensures a supportive and vibrant environment, crucial for weathering life’s storms.
• Wealth & Money Satisfaction : This is the garden’s infrastructure. Financial stability allows you to beautify and expand your space, giving you the freedom to enjoy it without worry.
• Career and Work : Your garden’s showcase plants. A fulfilling career provides a sense of achievement and recognition, showcasing your skills and dedication to the world.

Inner World Priorities:

• Mental Strength : The soil of your garden. A resilient and positive mindset ensures that everything planted will thrive, helping you to adapt and grow through life’s challenges.
• Physical Health : The roots and water. A healthy body ensures that your garden can withstand harsh conditions and continue to grow, providing a solid base for everything else.
• Spiritual Wellness : The connection to the ecosystem. It’s understanding that your garden is part of a larger landscape, providing a sense of peace, purpose, and belonging.

By balancing these six priorities, you’re not just making resolutions; you’re committing to a richer, more vibrant life. As we explore each area, think about your own Outer and Inner Worlds. Where could they use some nurturing? How might they better support each other?

Your journey to a balanced, enriched life starts here.

Family & Relationships: Cultivate Your Inner Circle

Esteemed psychologist Abraham Maslow ranked love and belonging among top human needs for a reason – caring connections sustain us. Of the Life Focus Priorities, thoughtfully nurturing relationships profoundly enables resilience and meaning. So before chasing external goals this year, look inwards at who matters most.

The following 5 resolutions focus on simple, consistent actions backed in psychology to foster intimacy without demanding extra hours . By being vulnerable, present and forgiving with partners, kids and soul friends regularly, feel the returns through heightened trust and goodwill over time. Don’t take those dearest for granted amid the shuffle of busy lives. Deep relationships anchor your whole self.

1. Walk and Talk with Your Partner

Psychologist John Gottman discovered that small affectionate gestures between couples – not lavish dates – form the bedrock for solid lifelong marriages. It’s the little things.

Simply taking leisurely weekend strolls together for open conversations and emotional check-ins will do more to reinforce your romantic bond than expensive dinners out. Schedule this sacred space.

Whenever you hit an impasse, see it as an opportunity to understand each other better by exploring contrasting perspectives with curiosity rather than accusations. Move forward with empathy.

The Saturday Morning Stroll

• Designate Saturday mornings for a long walk together, free of distractions. Use the relaxing setting to have open and caring conversations about your dreams, goals, concerns etc.

2. Establish Daily 10-Minute Kid Chats

Far more than grand family outings, it’s gentle daily rituals that build parental trust and comfort. Scientists affirm consistency matters most. Carve out 10 minutes nightly for your unique parent-child activity, whether reading books or playing games.

Your child yearns to be seen for the good-hearted person they are beyond the behaviors they’re still learning to express properly. Shower them with compassion.

One-on-One Time

• Parents set aside 10 focused minutes before bed to play a short designated game where kids share about their day, thoughts and feelings.

3. Initiate Monthly Reconciliation Meetings

Resentments shackle us to the past. Have you been avoiding facing relevant past hurts in your closest circles? As couples therapist Esther Perel says , gently acknowledge wounds before expecting others’ immediate understanding. Aim to communicate hopes.

The past can’t be changed, but you write the next chapter together.

Healing Connections

• If old wounds linger with certain friends or family members, initiate short in-person reconciliation meetings to address issues monthly in a spirit of understanding – let go of resentment.

4. Organize Seasonal Family Gatherings

As elders age, opportunities fade to soak up their wisdom and nostalgic stories from eras gone by. Before time limits intergenerational bonding, spearhead gatherings this year where relatives can trade tales and smiles across the years.

Each reunion offers a beautiful chance to nurture familial ties through humor and heritage passing. Document favorite anecdotes.

Bring The Family Together

• As a meaningful family tradition, spearhead planning two seasonal parties or potlucks annually for relatives to reconnect in-person over food, activities and warmth.

5. Prioritize Bimonthly Calls with Your Confidants

Life grows busier, but don’t let your soul friends get lost in the shuffle – those rare few who know and uphold the real you.

Schedule biweekly video catch-ups to invest in emotional intimacy with one or two irreplaceable allies. Psychologists confirm prioritizing deeper friends over casual acquaintances sustains us far more.

Studies reveal our resilience and purpose soars when we feel truly heard, understood and supported through life’s ups and downs. Don’t neglect those friends who stand by the truest version of you.

30 Minute Catchups

• Schedule 30-minute video chat catch-ups with 2-3 close friends every two weeks to nourish emotional intimacy and prevent losing touch over years.

6. Designate Weekly Device-Free Family Time

Technology over-immersion risks gradually replacing in-person interactions and emotional bonding between loved ones over years if left unchecked. Guard sacred spaces for device-free undivided presence.

Studies have found simple ritual of enjoying regular screen-free meals together , focusing wholeheartedly on family bonding conversations, boosted child academic performance, self-esteem and overall wellbeing measurably over years by enabling stronger family connections.

Unplugged Family Time

• Schedule consistent device-free family experiences even for one hour weekly – from cooking or crafts to walks outdoors followed by a shared group activity promoting laughter and memories.

7. Learn Your Love Language

The seminal research of Dr. Gary Chapman revealed each person instinctively gives and feels loved primarily through one of five love languages – physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service or gift giving. Identify which dialect matters most to your closest circle.

When family or friends feel cherished through their unique love language consistently, emotional tanks fill up measurably fostering long-term relational resilience according to studies. Speak to fill your peoples’ love tanks.

Share Love Generously

• Complete a short quiz to identify your own and loved ones’ love languages. Then intentionally convey affection through those channels – forehead kiss for physical touchers, performing helpful tasks for those valuing service etc.

8. Host Friends Weekly or Monthly

Harvard’s decade long adult development study tracking life satisfaction trajectories emphasized one key variable – the depth of an individual’s social connections through hosting beloved friends and chosen family regularly.

Life grows increasingly mobile, yet the research revealed those upholding a weekly or monthly ritual gathering a core circle to nourish bonds through shared meals, activities, conversations and warmth built measurable resilience through even tumultuous chapters.

The Fellowship of Friends

• Make your home a hub for connection by preparing recurring evenings or weekends dedicated to nurturing relationships with those kindred spirits that feel like family. Rotate informal hosting amongst your inner circle.

9. Write Old-Fashioned Love Letters

In an age of digital detachment, channel timeless romantic gestures by reviving the lost art of love letter writing – for your spouse, fiancé, boyfriend, girlfriend or even prospective partner.

Tap the Power of the Pen

• Set reminders bimonthly to write your beloved a poetic love letter conveying what you cherish about them, favorite memories created together, amusing anecdotes illustrating why your spirits lift in their presence and hopes for your shared path ahead. Imagine their smile finding your heartfelt prose.

10. Embark on Monthly Couples Adventures

Over years of comfortable familiarity, even treasured relationships risk falling into disengaged auto-pilot. Yet shared exhilaration while navigating novel experiences together psychologically bonds couples at the biochemical level, activating trust, passion and humor. Set monthly quests sustaining adventure.

Craft Shared Stories

• Commit to one fresh exploit monthly – from salsa dance classes to group cooking tutorials to couples rock climbing adventures. Carve out designated couple time while trying new things, leaning into discomfort and witnessing each other overcome novel situations with good humor.

Career & Work: Strengthen Your Career Trajectory

Beyond being sources of income to pay the bills, our careers can become vessels of purpose when aligned closely with internal values and strengths. Consider the new year an invitation to evaluate professional growth through the lens of discovering work that motivates you intrinsically through passion and excellence over extrinsic rewards alone.

The following five resolutions focus on realizable, step-by-step goals to help transform your career into a platform for maximizing both expertise and meaning long-term.

11. Identify Core Professional Strengths

Clarifying where your innate talents and interests intersect with roles you find inherently meaningful creates focus for fulfilling career pivots.

Start by listing past skills that energize you and current values driving purpose. Then explore opportunities leveraging this self-awareness rather than imposing new expectations requiring drastic skill growth out of the gate. Identify adjacent paths.

Getting Clear

• Reflect on past positions you enjoyed and why to recognize natural strengths to build on rather than impose expectations requiring drastic skill growth at once. Identify adjacent opportunities.

12. Strengthen Your Network

Beyond surface-level connections, aim to cultivate mutually supportive professional relationships that feel authentic and nourishing. Dedicate time to intentionally foster a small tribe of peers who uplift and challenge one another.

Cultivating Community

• Instead of briefly exchanging cards, get to know contacts as people first through warm rapport building. Later politely ask for advice after earning deep trust.

13. Take an Upskilling Course

Staying competitive often necessitates sharpening secondary skill sets like software proficiencies, data literacy or management tactics alongside our core competencies.

Continuous Learning

• Research online classes that enrich precisely the abilities your role is valuing more. Consistently devote an hour weekly. Long-term gains compound with consistency.

14. Negotiate Healthier Work Conditions

As ambitions evolve, reflect whether current work conditions still align. If feeling drained or desiring greater work-life balance, respectfully communicate needs and proposed solutions .

Establishing Boundaries

• Beyond salary, consider changes around remote flexibility, project variety, decision autonomy or team expansion that could dramatically improve your employee experience.

15. Update Your Resume

A well-crafted resume aligned to target roles catalyzes career pivots by clearly communicating your value. Modernize formatting, refine top skills, tailor content to opportunities and quantify achievements numerically. This allows you to effectively reposition skill sets for opportunities beyond surface qualifications.

Strategic Storytelling

• Focus on showcasing transferable experiences first before listing niche technical abilities less relevant to new industries. Emphasize measurable wins and the actual business impact of your contributions.

16. Identify Knowledge Gaps

Being proactive about detecting personal growth areas before next reviews demonstrates drive. Analyze recent projects pinpointing what additional skills could have enhanced contributions using post-mortems. This reveals precise upskilling needs for roles ahead.

Lifelong Learning

• Beyond task execution, reflect on team dynamics and communication patterns to illuminate relationship building and emotional intelligence blindspots crucial for advancement.

17. Explore Parallel Career Paths

Rather than drastic shifts, incrementally expand your scope by taking on short-term projects or freelance work in complementary spaces aligning strengths to new challenges. This allows gradual career evolution versus disruptive reinvention minimizing risk.

Adjacent Growth

• Identify intersections with your existing skillset applicable to roles you may not have considered. Positively embrace lateral moves as nourishing even if not vertical promotions.

18. Seek Out a Career Mentor

They say “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” But you can also seek wise guides actively. Consider what type of leader exemplifies your aspirations and respectfully ask for their advice over coffee.

Seeking Wisdom

• Compile a list of qualities you admire in a potential mentor based on your values and goals. Network genuinely to make informal informational interview requests focused on their career path, not just opportunities.

19. Explore Career Coaching

An outside expert can provide impartial guidance on tuning decision-making toward roles offerings maximum fulfillment. They also stretch limiting mindsets holding you back. This accelerates clarity and accountability.

Nurturing Clarity

• Vet a few coaches with relevant specializations. Ask how they’ve supported clients through changes similar to your needs and if money-back guarantees apply in case the partnership lacks chemistry.

Wealth & Money Satisfaction: Expand Your Resources

Money and resources are not merely numbers in a bank account; they are the tools that fuel our life’s missions and dreams. True wealth comes from effectively utilizing these resources to pursue and fulfill our aspirations. This section presents five resolutions designed to help you align your financial practices with your personal goals, ensuring that every dollar spent or saved is a step towards a life of fulfillment and purpose. Each resolution is practical, inspiring, and achievable, aimed at empowering you to manage and grow your resources in harmony with your life’s missions.

20. Mindful Money Moments

Transition from indiscriminate spending to ‘Mindful Money Moments.’ This practice encourages you to pause and consider each expenditure, ensuring it contributes positively to your life’s goals. It’s about transforming your relationship with money , seeing it as a tool to craft a life filled with purpose and meaning.

Understand that each dollar you spend is an investment in the life you’re creating. By choosing mindfulness over mindless spending, you’re not just saving money; you’re ensuring that your financial resources truly enhance your life’s quality and align with your personal missions.

Cultivate Intentional Spending

• Start by tracking your expenses for a week. With each purchase, ask yourself, “Does this bring me closer to my life goals?” This simple question can transform your financial habits, leading to more intentional and fulfilling use of your resources.

21. Resourceful Growth Investing

This is about seeing investments not as complex financial maneuvers but as deliberate steps towards building a future that resonates with your deepest aspirations. It’s about using your resources to create a stable platform from which you can pursue your dreams.

Investing is an act of faith in your future self. It’s a commitment to nurturing and growing your resources so that they can support not just your current needs but also your future dreams. By viewing investing through this lens, the process becomes less about numbers and more about nurturing your aspirations.

Invest with Purpose

• Begin by identifying what you’re truly investing for – be it retirement, education, travel, or another personal goal. Then, take one small step towards this each month, whether researching, saving a fixed amount, or consulting with a financial advisor. Let each step remind you of the future you’re building.

22. Liberating Financial Path

Your Liberating Financial Path is about more than just paying off debt; it’s about reclaiming your freedom and using your resources to create a life unburdened by financial stress. This journey is about visualizing and moving towards a future where your money is yours to use in ways that fulfill and inspire you.

Each payment you make is not just reducing a number; it’s increasing your freedom. It’s an act of empowerment, a declaration that you are taking control of your financial future and freeing your resources to pursue the things that truly matter.

Visualize and Conquer

• Outline all your debts clearly and set a realistic plan for repayment . With each payment, envision the additional freedom you’re gaining. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remember that every step forward is a step towards a more empowered, liberated life.

23. Financial Mission Reviews

Regularly align your financial health with your life’s missions. Just as you would periodically check your physical health, these reviews ensure your financial practices support and empower your journey towards your personal goals and aspirations.

Your financial health is a reflection of your life’s priorities. By regularly reviewing and adjusting your financial strategies, you’re not just managing money; you’re curating a life. This process ensures that your resources continually resonate with and support your deepest aspirations.

Align Your Finances with Your Missions

• Set a date every three months for your Financial Mission Review. During this review, assess your spending, saving, and investment strategies. Ensure they are in harmony with your life’s missions, making adjustments as necessary to keep your financial journey aligned with your personal journey.

24. Diversified Mission Support

This resolution is about understanding and cultivating multiple income streams to provide a stable and supportive base for your life’s missions. This resolution encourages you to explore and develop various avenues of income that align with your skills, interests, and goals, adding both security and opportunity to your financial landscape.

Each stream of income you develop is a tributary feeding into the river of your life’s journey. By diversifying your income sources , you’re not just securing your financial future; you’re creating a robust and flexible support system for your aspirations, ensuring that whatever life brings, you have the resources to meet it head-on.

Expand Your Support System

• Identify one skill or interest that could potentially generate income. Research how you might develop this into a viable income stream, and take one small step towards this each month. Focus on how this new source can support and enrich your journey, adding depth and security to your financial foundation.

25. Values-Based Budgeting

Take control of your finances by creating a values-based budget aligned with what matters most. Categorize expenses not just as necessities or luxuries but as investments in your health, growth, relationships, and causes. This practice helps ensure every dollar spent mirrors what you value.

Budgeting with Purpose

• List your core values and life priorities. Categorize your expenses based on which values they serve. Tweak spending to better align with the life areas you find most meaningful. Allow your budget to reflect your highest aspirations.

26. Financial Mentorship Program

Gain empowering money insights by establishing an ongoing mentorship with a financial role model. Learn directly from someone who has achieved financial freedom without compromising core values. Let them guide you towards building wealth holistically.

Shared Wisdom

• Seek out a mentor whose financial philosophy resonates with you. Meet regularly to discuss money mindsets, investment strategies, and how to construct an abundant life of purpose. Absorb their wisdom while nurturing your own financial growth.

27. Personal Mission Fund

Establish your own Personal Mission Fund to finance solo passion projects. Save and grow resources to support cherished goals without relying on others. Revel in the freedom and empowerment that comes from directly funding your own dreams.

Watching your Personal Mission Fund grow through your own consistent contributions will fill you with pride, motivation and excitement. By directly financing your solo aspirations, you are taking complete control to manifest your purposeful goals, without needing to pool resources or convince others. The independence and accountability this builds will only spur your visions further.

Choose Your Goal

• Identify a life mission you want to undertake that requires significant funding – a nonprofit venture, dream trip, advanced degree. Open a dedicated savings account and commit to regularly depositing any surplus income.

28. Conscious Commerce

Make purchases not just based on price but on how much vendors’ values align with your own. Factor in ethical practices, environmental impact, and social contribution. Support companies crafting positive change through conscious consumerism.

Vote with Your Dollar

• Research businesses you frequent on criteria you care about – sustainability, fair wages, community service. Adjust purchasing towards vendors actively upholding your values through their work. View each transaction as a chance to shape the world.

29. Appreciative Financial Inventory

Combat feelings of money scarcity by regularly acknowledging how much abundance you already have. Keep an inventory of all financial blessings – steady income, savings, support systems, successes. Refer to this when you need perspective.

Gratitude Over Lack

• Date a piece of paper Financial Appreciations. Under this header, regularly add things you feel grateful for related to money and resources. Review the growing list when finances feel lacking to cultivate appreciation.

Mental Strength: Develop Mental Fortitude

They say muscles grow through resistance training. What most miss is that our mental aptitude grows the same way – by overcoming inner obstacles. Stepping outside comfort zones, confronting fears, and pushing through failures – this adversity expands our resilience, self-discipline, and determination.

The below five resolutions provide small, manageable challenges designed to incrementally train mental muscle. Approach them with an openness to unpack lessons as you build grit and personal power to weather life’s curves.

30. Commit to a Weekly Challenge

Whether an uncomfortable social situation, difficult conversation, or an attempt that ended unsuccessfully – make a weekly effort to lean into small adversity, emerging better for it.

Understand that each challenge you face is a step towards greater mental strength. By regularly confronting what makes you uncomfortable, you train yourself to adapt and persevere, transforming barriers into stepping stones for personal growth.

Confront the Uncomfortable

• Identify situations that currently make you hesitant or uncomfortable. Each week, choose one to confront directly. Document your feelings, the outcomes, and what you learned from the experience. Over time, watch as your comfort zone expands and your mental resilience strengthens.

31. Cultivate Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is more than just talking in front of a crowd; it’s about finding and sharing your voice with confidence and clarity. Commit to preparing and delivering a short speech on a topic you’re passionate about, and watch as your self-assurance grows with each presentation.

Expressing your thoughts and ideas confidently in front of others is a powerful form of self-affirmation. It’s not just about overcoming fear; it’s about embracing your ability to impact and inspire those around you.

Find Your Voice

• Join a local Toastmasters group or find opportunities at community gatherings where you can speak. Start with small, supportive audiences and gradually increase the challenge. Focus on the message you want to convey and the impact you wish to have.

32. Rise with Purpose

Rising with purpose simply means setting a goal to wake up 30 minutes earlier each day. Use this extra time to engage in an activity that sets a positive tone for the day — whether it’s exercise, meditation, or working on a personal project.

The way you start your day often sets the tone for the hours that follow. By rising early and with intention, you affirm your commitment to your own growth and well-being, fostering a sense of discipline and purpose that carries through the entire day.

Greet the Dawn

• Set multiple alarms if necessary and plan a rewarding morning activity. As this practice becomes routine, observe how it reshapes your perception of mornings and enhances your overall productivity and mindset.

33. Embrace the Cold (Shower)

Cold water immersion builds mental resilience quickly – starting showers warm then turning cold for the last 5 minutes, breathing deeply. Conquer the stinging sensation as you recite an empowering mantra. This practice is about more than just physical endurance; it’s a metaphor for facing life’s uncomfortable moments with courage and resilience.

Each time you face the cold water and conquer the discomfort, you’re reinforcing your ability to face challenges head-on. It’s a daily reminder that you are capable of enduring and thriving amidst discomfort.

Become Frostborne

• Start your showers warm and gradually decrease the temperature. As you stand in the cold, recite empowering mantras or affirmations. Focus on the sensation of overcoming the initial shock and the invigorating feeling that follows.

34. Complete a DIY Passion Project

Tackle a home improvement initiative like woodworking, electronics repair or arts-and-crafts only through online tutorials and personal perseverance. Revel more in the mental journey than perfect outcomes. This resolution is about the joy of learning and the satisfaction that comes from creating something with your own hands.

Engaging in a project from start to finish, especially one that requires learning new skills, is a profound exercise in patience, problem-solving, and persistence. It’s about reveling in the process of creation and the personal growth that accompanies it.

Skill Begets Confidence

• Choose a project and commit to completing it using only online tutorials and your own determination. Document your progress, the challenges you encounter, and the solutions you discover. Celebrate each step forward, regardless of the outcome, focusing on the skills and confidence you’re developing along the way.

35. Journal Daily for Clarity and Insight

Commit to 10 minutes of daily journaling to process experiences, emotions, and insights. Writing brings clarity, helping us better understand ourselves and events around us. It also enables us to track growth and patterns over time.

By regularly journaling, we foster self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and discernment. This practice reveals inner obstacles, highlights recurring triggers, and enables us to consciously shift perspectives. Like strength training, it expands our mental and emotional capacity.

Write Daily

• Establish a consistent time and quiet space. Date your entries. For each experience, describe the facts, your feelings, and the insights gained. Review regularly to recognize progress and patterns.

36. Learn a New Skill Outside Your Comfort Zone

Mastering new abilities requires moving beyond our comfort zone mentally and emotionally. Make it a habit to learn an entirely new skill quarterly – one seemingly outside your wheelhouse at the onset. Not only does this build grit and determination, but it expands our sense of possibility.

By learning unfamiliar skills, we realize firsthand the incredible potential within. Skills we deemed challenging or even impossible at first eventually feel within reach through consistent, focused effort. Each new proficiency reveals the extraordinary abilities lying dormant within.

Try the Unfamiliar

• Identify skills drastically outside your wheelhouse. Allot 15-30 minutes daily to learn via books, videos, podcasts, or local workshops. Track and celebrate progress.

37. Broaden Your Perspectives

Make a weekly commitment to purposefully shift your lens on a long-held belief, opinion, or way of thinking that feels absolute. Consider different angles. Question why you feel so convinced. This builds self-awareness and adaptability.

By continually challenging our staunchest mindsets, we recognize that our beliefs are changeable rather than fixed. We expand our mental elasticity and ability to respond appropriately given nuanced scenarios. We relinquish rigidity that confines our thinking and hampers growth.

Challenge Your Mindsets

• Identify a belief or opinion you hold as undeniable fact. Research counterpoints. Analyze your stance for validity rather than seeking flaws in others’ reasoning. Be willing to adjust.

38. Learn Mindfulness Techniques

Commit to learning formal mindfulness techniques through books, videos, or guided exercises such as the Mindful Focus Toolkit . Develop the ability to center and ground yourself amidst stressful circumstances. This builds resilience along with mental control and emotional regulation.

By practicing effective mindfulness skills, we better navigate emotionally-charged situations with equilibrium and grace. Rather than feel controlled by environments and interactions, we take charge of our inner terrain, enabling clearer thinking and responsive action.

Cultivate Awareness

• Start small – 5 minutes daily sitting quietly, focusing on your breath and bodily sensations without attachment or judgment. Gradually increase meditation time, supplementing with researched techniques.

39. Establish a Daily Quiet Hour

Commit to an electronics-free quiet hour – no social media, internet searches, background noise. Spend this time alone in silence, reflection, meditation, prayer, nature or inspiring literature.

Spending structured uninterrupted time in nature sans digital stimulation reconnects and recenters us. Scientific studies prove that disconnecting from tech to connect with self and surroundings measurably reduces anxiety and stress while improving focus, creativity, mindfulness.

Unplug in Solitude

• Establish a consistent daily 60 minutes alone in a serene environment removed from digital inputs. Spend time focusing inward through preferred contemplative practices.

Physical Health: Nurture Your Vitality

Our bodily health and mental clarity are intricately connected – with the vibrancy of one fueling the other. Yet in the rush of ambitious goal-setting, we often overlook foundational wellbeing practices upholding peak performance.

This new year, commit to honoring your physical vessel through consciousness rather than duty alone. Approach the following resolutions as rituals seeding whole-life vitality when tended consistently over time. Move with patience and self-compassion as you sustainably grow nutritive habits.

40. Adopt an Energy Promoting Morning Ritual

Beyond rushing into hustle, the dawn hours set the tone physically and mentally like a pre-performance warm-up. They direct focus and cellular equilibriums. Craft an empowering morning ritual strategically aligning mindset and movement for peak performance.

The average routine jarringly shifts bodies from sleepy to stressed. By consciously awakening our faculties first thing, we seize control of energy and attention like elite athletes methodically preparing for championship execution.

Morning Momentum

• Wake gently before obligations to hydrate, stretch consciously, set inspiring intentions and breathe deeply. Envision how you wish to show up.

41. Incorporate More Natural Light

Modern environments trade sunlight for artificial lighting, yet we evolved intrinsically dependent on its nourishing spectrum for optimal functioning mentally and physiologically. Make enlightened adjustments.

This resolution is less about chasing health metrics but unlocking your most radiant untapped potential. What transformations might unfold by aligning lifestyle rhythms around light as our primeval ancestors? Our energy blueprint awaits awakening.

Light as Fuel

• Studies confirm sunlight elevates mood, reaction times and sleep quality while lowering inflammation and disease risk. Structure exposure intentionally.

42. Adopt Blue Light Blocking Habits

Digital devices emit artificial light that suppresses melatonin and disrupts sleep cycles linked to health declines over years. Safeguard your body’s intrinsic circadian rhythms.

Your physiology evolved intrinsically responsive to cues from natural light spectrums over eons. Reclaim this primal alignment missed since the advent of artificial lighting only a century ago.

Preserve Natural Rhythms

• Make small adjustments to reduce blue light exposure from phones, TVs, laptops and LED bulbs, especially after sunset. Notice improved sleep quality, cognition and vitality.

43. Set Process-Based Weekly Exercise Goals

Rather than compartmentalize fitness, encompass movement of any modalities which boost biomarkers like stamina, flexibility and strength revealing whole-body vitality. It is intelligent consistency unleashing your peak potential, not intensity alone. Your body innately knows the way.

When movement becomes simply an accompaniment to life’s vibrant flow rather than another duty or chore, liberation follows. Physical vitality interweaves with creative vigor, mental clarity and even heightened intuition.

Move Naturally

• Make exercise an accompaniment to life’s vibrancy rather than a chore. Physical vitality interweaves with creative vigor, mental clarity and even intuition.

44. Incorporate Intermittent Fasting

Our impulse for endless consumption compromises cellular functioning over decades. Yet gentler rhythms of periodic fasting while hydrating allows innate body wisdom to orchestrate its miraculous self-regeneration through recycling and fortifying physiological resilience.

Intermittent fasting untethers us from the illusion of control, surrendering instead to a profound order far vaster than our myopia can architect. It calls us to rest in our vulnerability, nested in this intricate web of being. Here we rediscover our indestructible wholeness.

Cleanse and Renew

• For beginners: stop eating 3 hours before bed. Gradually extend nightly fasts, simply listening as your system guides you.

Spiritual Wellness: Refresh Your Inner Connection

In the hustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the spiritual dimension of our existence. Yet, nurturing our spiritual wellness is crucial for a balanced and fulfilling life. It’s about connecting deeply with ourselves, the world around us, and the greater flow of life. This section presents five carefully crafted resolutions aimed at enhancing your spiritual well-being. Each one is designed to be practical, inspiring, and easily integrated into your daily routine, offering a path to deeper understanding, peace, and fulfillment.

45. Three Good Things

Instead of the vague concept of journaling, focus on identifying ‘Three Good Things’ each day. This practice centers around recognizing and appreciating the small joys and blessings in life, fostering a mindset of gratitude and contentment. It’s the little things, after all, that often bring the most happiness.

Embrace Appreciation

• Each evening, reflect on your day and identify three specific moments or things that brought you joy or comfort. This could be anything from a kind gesture from a colleague to the serene moments of a morning walk. Note them down or simply acknowledge them in your mind, anchoring your day in positivity.

46. One-Minute Mindfulness

Transform mindfulness into a tangible, non-intimidating practice with ‘One-Minute Mindfulness.’ Several times a day, dedicate just one minute to fully engage with your immediate environment or sensations. This brief pause can significantly enhance your awareness and bring a sense of calm to your busy day.

Find Presence in the Moment

• Identify three daily activities where you can practice one-minute mindfulness. During this minute, focus entirely on the sensations and experiences of the moment — the aroma of your coffee, the feel of the breeze, or the rhythm of your breath.

47. Establish Weekly Nature Days

Commit to spending one full day a week immersed in natural settings – forests, gardens, parks or preserves – moving slowly, meditatively through the landscape while consciously focusing all senses only on your natural surroundings.

Studies show that mindful exposure to living , vibrant nature measurably reduces stress, anxiety, depression. The variability, fractal patterns and vibrant colors stimulate optimal cognitive functioning with heightened intuition and inspiration. Immersing in nature is profoundly restorative.

Connect with the Earth

• Schedule 30 minutes of ‘Green Time’ each week. Whether it’s a walk in the park, time in your garden, or a hike in the woods, use this time to fully engage with the natural world, letting its beauty and serenity rejuvenate your spirit.

48. Daily Kindness Challenge

Redefine acts of kindness as a ‘Daily Kindness Challenge.’ Each day, think of a small, kind act you can perform. This resolution makes compassion a daily practice, enriching not just your own spiritual well-being but also positively impacting those around you.

Spread Compassion

• Each morning, set an intention to perform one act of kindness. It could be as simple as sharing a compliment, offering your seat on public transport, or sending an encouraging message. Reflect on how this act made you feel and the response it elicited.

49. Monthly Spiritual Exploration

Introduce ‘Monthly Spiritual Exploration’ to your routine. Once a month, dedicate time to engage with a spiritual text, podcast, or workshop. This resolution encourages you to continuously expand your spiritual understanding and incorporate new insights into your life.

Embark on a Journey of Discovery

• Choose one day each month for your spiritual exploration. Plan ahead by selecting a resource or event to engage with. Afterward, take time to reflect on what you learned and how it resonates with your personal spiritual journey.

50. Mindfully Complete a Manual Tasks

Choose simple manual tasks like dish washing, folding laundry, sweeping – focus completely on the physical practice without multitasking, allowing the repetitive motion to quiet and center the mind.

Mindfully completing mundane chores trains ability to center attention on the present moment. As stimulating input recedes into background, we reconnect with immediate sensory input. Monkey mind settles. Mental clarity and focus expands. We realign.

Immerse in Menial Tasks

• Select repetitive chores requiring little conscious thought. Silence devices and distractions. Fixate completely on the simplicity of motion – quieting inner noise through full immersion.

Making Your Resolutions Happen This Time!

Here you have 50 new year’s resolution ideas to inspire you to achieve more this year. Identifying your goal is the first step to getting what you want, the next step is to have a solid plan and start taking action.

And what you need is a systematic approach to ensure that you’re taking actions and moving towards your goals. This is where LifeHack’s Time Flow System can help.

Developed by the LifeHack team and amplified with AI intelligence, the Time Flow System is more than just another goal tracking tool. It’s your dedicated guide, engineered to navigate you towards fulfilling those yearly aspirations with precision.

The system is thoughtfully structured into three pivotal sections:

• North Stars – These represent your annual resolutions and ambitions. With our AI’s mentorship, you can crystallize and strategize your North Stars, guaranteeing that your yearly goals aren’t just wishes, but achievable targets. Let them be your beacon in this yearly journey.
• Initiatives – Concrete, actionable roadmaps to make those New Year’s resolutions a tangible reality, channeling your efforts directly towards your North Stars.
• Focus Blocks – Allocated time slots for tasks, purposefully calibrated to resonate with your Initiatives and, subsequently, your North Stars.

Using the Time Flow System means you’re not just jotting down New Year’s resolutions. Each action you take is deliberately designed to realize your broader vision. Every Focus Block is a stride closer to seeing those resolutions come to life.

To get the best out of this tool during the year, strategize your Focus Blocks with care. Employ the AI to seamlessly align every step with an Initiative and North Star. Prioritize your time effectively to see your New Year’s resolutions materialize.

If you’re genuinely committed to transforming this year, targeting tangible achievements and making those New Year’s resolutions more than just wishes, then diving into the Time Flow System is a step in the right direction.

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Reset Those Study Skills With 10 New Year’s Resolutions For Students

• Create A Study Routine
• Learn Something New
• Ask For Help
• Get More Sleep
• Focus On Learning
• Maintain School-Life Balance
• Overcome Procrastination
• Get Involved
• Prioritize Your Mental Health

By Ashley Austrew

As you get ready to turn the page in your planners and welcome a new year, you’re probably thinking about some of the ways you’d like to better yourself and the things you’d like to accomplish in 2024. New Year’s resolutions are popular because the new year represents a time of renewal. It’s an opportunity to shed the old habits and beliefs that are weighing us down and focus on adopting fresh, positive goals that will help us be more successful.

For students like you, the new year also marks a halfway point in the standard academic year. Whether you’ve had a fantastic school year so far or see some room for improvement, there is still plenty of time to set new goals, break bad habits, and become an even more dedicated and engaged student and friend. While you’re thinking about all the ways to become your best self in 2024, here are 10 ideas to extend those New Year’s resolutions to include your academic self as well.

1. Create a study routine.

What if every test and assignment didn’t have to involve cramming and panicking? If you don’t already have a study routine , this is the year to make one. A study routine can be as simple as reviewing your class materials for a few minutes every day, rather than leaving it all for the days leading up to a test. Or it might look like meeting with a partner or group every week. Think about the ways you can divide your school work into more manageable daily tasks, and then set goals to help you stick to the plan.

2. Learn something brand new.

What subjects or issues do you find most interesting? Set a goal to pursue one of those this year, even if it’s just in your free time. Passion and curiosity are great motivators for learning, and carving out time to explore something that really makes you tick is a great way to reignite your overall love of learning. Who knows? You might get a new hobby out of it, or maybe even find a future career goal or subject for a project.

3. Ask for help.

Sometimes asking for help is one of the hardest things to do. This help could come in the form of hiring a tutor to practice a subject you’re really struggling with, or it might be reaching out to a mentor, advisor, or counselor for help with academic planning, future goals, or your mental health. Taking care of yourself and getting the support you need is vital to your continued success as a student. This year, commit to using whatever resources are available to help when you find yourself in challenging situations.

Who better to turn to for help with academics than your teacher or tutor? Learn about the roles each of these people can and do play.

4. Get more sleep.

We’re sorry to say this, but you are not a robot. You actually need things like sleep to survive. In fact, not getting enough sleep can actually alter activity in your brain, causing problems with important skills, like making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. We aren’t saying you need to aim for 12 hours of sleep per night or anything, but setting some goals related to healthy sleep may help you function better in class and perform better academically.

💤 Sleep goals to consider

Helpful sleep goals might look like:

• Setting a bedtime.
• Shutting off electronics an hour before bed.
• Using a meditation or calming app to wind down before sleep.
• Sleeping and waking at the same time each day.

5. Focus on learning, not just grades.

Grades are important, but don’t forget that education is about your lifelong love of and relationship with learning. If you’re only focused on the next big test or acing that tough class, you might miss out on some of the parts of learning that you find most engaging. Every subject won’t be your favorite, but commit to really immersing yourself in your studies this year and noticing what makes you tick, excites you, and makes you want to learn more. Maybe keep a journal of your favorite tidbits from your classes and reading. Commit to learning as a process, not just as a way to get a good grade, and you might find more joy in your schoolwork.

6. Maintain school-life balance .

Yes, your schoolwork is important, but so is taking time for rest. Set intentions around things like your hobbies, time with friends, time off from school, and self care. Resting and maintaining an active lifestyle outside of school is important to your mental health. It’s also a way to recharge and come back to that big paper, project, or study session with renewed focus and energy. There’s nothing lazy about taking a break, so plan to do it often this year.

7. Overcome procrastination.

We know procrastination is difficult to overcome, but don’t put this one off! If you struggle with finding the motivation to get things done, you certainly aren’t alone. There are a lot of reasons why people procrastinate , including anxiety, decision fatigue, depression, and even neurocognitive differences. Procrastination is normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle with it forever. This year, take some decisive actions to combat the urge to procrastinate, like:

• Dividing large assignments into smaller, easier tasks.
• Using timers to motivate yourself to work for short windows of time.
• Working with a study group or partner for accountability.
• Using checklists.

If things aren’t improving or you want to do more work on exploring the reasons why you procrastinate, consider talking with a trusted teacher or counselor for more resources.

8. Get organized.

You don’t have to suddenly transform into Marie Kondo , but do commit to being more organized this year. It can make it easier to study, get to class on time, and get assignments completed on time. Organization looks different for everyone, depending on your schedule, your motivations, and your personal style. For you, getting organized may mean splurging on a fancy planner, downloading a new scheduling app, or even just organizing all of your books and supplies. Figure out what would help you be more productive and feel more in control, and then take steps to make it your new normal.

If you are eager to triumph over a writing project, you should review our suggestions for New Year’s resolutions for writers.

9. Get involved.

There are a million different ways to get involved in your school community, so make it a goal this year that you won’t keep sitting on the sidelines. Join a new club, volunteer, try out for a team, or get involved in a play or activity. Even joining a study group or book club can provide a way to socialize, as well as new opportunities for learning and growth. School may keep you busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Being a part of your school community can help you feel more engaged and supported, and make you aware of new resources and opportunities you may not have known about otherwise. Put yourself out there, and see where it leads.

10. Prioritize your mental health.

It may be tempting to pile as many classes, clubs, and extracurricular activities onto your schedule as possible, but don’t forget to think about your stress levels and emotional needs, too. Being constantly overloaded or on deadline can be hard on your mental health, and it’s difficult to keep showing up academically when you’re feeling burned out. As you go into the new year, commit to checking in with yourself, saying “no” to things when you need to, and making your mental and emotional wellbeing just as important as your physical health. Remember: before you can show up for others, you have to show up for yourself.

Ashley Austrew is a freelance journalist and writer from Omaha, Nebraska. Her work has been published at  Cosmopolitan ,  Scary Mommy ,  Scholastic , and other outlets.  For more by Ashley, read: 10 New Dating Slang Words To Know In 2021 | Prepare To Finish The School Year Strong With These Tips | How To Get A Head Start On Your Final Paper |  How To Create Atmosphere & Mood In Your Writing To Engage Your Readers

It's never too early to hone your study skills! Start by reviewing these study tips.

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in Wellness · January 2, 2022

New Year’s Resolution for Kids: Choose One Word

Can you believe it’s that time of year again when we’re all looking forward to a fresh start? I’ve got something awesome to share with you – How to teach your students to create New Year’s Resolutions by choosing one word. It’s a great way to help our students kick off the year with a bang and set meaningful goals.

In this blog post, I’ll unveil a fun escape room and some super handy printables that will make creating and tracking the one-word resolution a breeze. So, grab your printer and get ready to print out some of these resources to empower your students with a fun and constructive way to develop new goals. It’s time to make resolutions stick and help our students thrive in the year ahead!

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Ready to throw out the old resolutions and try something that works? Try creating a one-word resolution for yourself and your students. This escape room is the perfect activity to add to your lesson plans at the start of the new year.

Before I begin, I want to let you know that all this information can be viewed or listened to in video format.

Why One Word for a New Year’s Resolution

Making resolutions is a time-honored tradition, and for many people, they may work! Resolutions typically require you to focus on what you don’t want or can’t have in your life. By choosing one word , you stay in tune with the root cause of the struggle. The one word allows you to make small daily decisions that can change things for you over time.

Here’s Why Choosing One Word Matters:

• Develops New Habits
• Creates Attainable Goals
• No Feelings of Failure
• Sense of Accountability
• Perfect Way to Stay Focused

Setting One Word New Year’s Resolution

Now, let’s get down to business. Setting One Word New Year’s resolutions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about identifying what’s most important and creating a plan to achieve your goals. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

The start of a new year can be hard, but this great activity can get everyone started on the right foot. This One Word Escape Room has four activities to help students or staff create personal goals for the semester. Share the Google Site with your staff or students. Everything is clickable and easy to access.

The first step is to reflect on the year and add the reflection in a Google Form. The questions allow the learner to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Reflection and goal setting are amazing life skills that all students need to develop.

Create Your Perfect Day

Once you reflect on the past year and determine your successes and challenges, it’s time to think about what a perfect day would look like to improve the upcoming year.

In this fun activity, use a Jamboard to visualize a perfect day. Think about what you will do from when you wake up until you go to bed. Use pictures or draw what you are visualizing. You can find photos and label them right in Jamboard.

Set Your Intention

Now, it’s time to analyze your day. What are you noticing about your perfect day? Decide on your main goals for the upcoming year. Make sure students think about how to make the current year better.

For example, how can their hard work improve their grades? Brainstorm word ideas that relate to the bigger goal. I use an online puzzle you can put together with possible word choices.

Refine Your One-Word Resolution

Choose three words from your brainstorm and narrow it down to a one-word resolution. Make a plan of action that outlines how your one word helps you achieve your goal. While it’s great to dream big, setting realistic goals is also important. Setting goals that are too ambitious can be discouraging. So, balance your goals with what you can realistically achieve.

Once you’ve chosen, create something as a reminder of your word. Here are some options:

• Add a picture to the next slide in Jamboard.
• Write the word in a fun font using Google Slides.
• Use Google Drawing that students can create (this option is part of the escape room).
• Make it a hand-lettering piece and add it to your screen saver.
• Create a bulletin board with each student’s word and regularly check in on the progress. If students fall behind, spend time sharing ways to get back on track and not to be discouraged.

Examples of One-Word New Year Resolutions

Always get students to think of the root cause of the problem. Here are some examples of One Word New Year resolutions that you can consider:

Consistency : If you’re a student, setting a goal to get better grades in the upcoming year is a great idea. You can break it down into smaller goals like studying regularly, completing assignments on time, and seeking help when needed. Remember, students who consistently complete assignments are likelier to receive a better grade.

Persist : Learning something new can be a wonderful goal. The upcoming year is the perfect time to start, whether sports or new hobbies.

Active : If you want to lead a healthier life, setting a goal to be more active is an excellent way to start. You can aim to walk or engage in a physical activity regularly.

Connect : We all have some habits we’d like to break that can cause us to disconnect from others. Whether it’s too much screen time, procrastination, or unhealthy habits, connecting with people is always a great action plan.

One-Word New Year’s Resolutions Escape Room and Printables

Now, here’s where it gets even more exciting. You can use a New Year’s Resolutions printable to make your goal-setting a fun and structured process. There is also a digital version of the escape room. Here is what you get:

Printable Worksheets : These worksheets come in printable PDF file formats, perfect for personal use. You can find them here, print them out, and share them with your students.

Digital Versions : You can also use Google Sites or Google Slides for a digital version. You can do the activities using Google Forms and other digital tools. They’re perfect for those who prefer working online.

Clip Art and Graphics : The printables include fun clip art and graphics that make the goal-setting process more engaging.

Actionable Steps : The printables guide you through setting meaningful goals and breaking them down into actionable steps.

Setting New Year’s resolutions isn’t just about big goals, personal growth, and success. Whether you’re a student aiming for better grades or a teacher seeking to break bad habits, goal setting is a powerful tool for improving your life.

Personal Growth and Success

As the new year’s eve approaches, take some time to think about what you want to achieve in the coming months. Then, use the escape room to create a clear plan of action. It’s an excellent way to make positive, big, and small changes that can lead to a happy new year!

So, take a moment to reflect on your past year, set clear and meaningful goals for the upcoming one, and use this escape room as your trusty companion on your journey to success.

Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or anyone looking to make positive changes, this escape room is your secret weapon. So, decide your one-word, track progress, and celebrate achievements. Here’s to a fantastic year of growth, success, and joy. Happy New Year! Click the image below to check out the escape room .

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New Year's Writing Prompt

Are you ready to ring in the New Year? Using this New Year’s writing prompt, ask students to practice their narrative and opinion writing by sharing their personal resolutions. Perfect for fourth graders, this worksheet asks young writers to describe and expand on three goals they might have for the year ahead.

View aligned standards

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35 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Kids

Goal setting is an important part of any child’s development as it teaches them how to be responsible. They learn to make commitments and how to follow through with such commitments. Setting a New Year’s resolution is a prime example of setting an important goal, and it’s best to start this habit from a young age.

New Year’s Resolution Ideas

Creating New Year’s resolutions can be a great way for children to build important habits and learn how to pursue their goals. It can encourage young children to focus on their goals, learn from their mistakes, and develop habits that help them build life skills.

Good New Year’s Resolutions for All Kids

Help Out Around the House: They may not like chores, but helping out with chores is important for children. They learn like skills they’ll need when they’re adults, and it teaches them to take care of their things.

Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

Setting health-based New Year’s Resolutions are a great idea not only for adults, but for kids too!

Healthy Eating: Encourage your children to make New Year’s resolutions that focus on healthy eating habits. This could include drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, and limiting sugary snacks. You can also encourage them to try new foods or recipes.

Mental Health: Finally, help your kids set goals related to their mental health. Encourage them to take time for themselves each day by reading a book, drawing or painting, or listening to music. Talk about the importance of getting enough sleep and taking breaks from screens when needed.

New Year’s Resolutions for Students

Improve Grades. Whether it’s getting an A in math or improving overall grades, setting a specific goal can help motivate students to work harder and stay focused on their studies.

Be More Organized. Help your student create a system for organizing school materials. Keeping a planner is a great way to make sure they never miss another due date.

Printable New Year’s Resolutions for Kids Worksheet

Help your kids remember their New Year’s Resolutions with this printable worksheet! It highlights things they want to do, what they want to learn, books they want to read, and more.

Try letting your child come up with their own New Year’s resolution ideas. Help them break down their goals into smaller steps so they can track their progress and stay motivated. With your support, your children will be able to reach their New Year’s resolutions and develop lifelong healthy habits.

By helping your children set achievable New Year’s resolutions, you can help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. They will be on their way to better habits in no time!

Jennifer Taylor

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This Simple New Year’s Resolution Will Change Your Year, Your Life, Your Eternity

‘Prayer is the only channel,’ says St. Teresa of Ávila, ‘through which God's great graces and favors may flow into the soul’

It’s free. It takes no extra time in your daily schedule. Even if you’ve already made a resolution, this one is practically effortless to add — a matter of seconds that you won’t miss. And the benefits reach into eternity.

What is it? Take the open pockets in your life — waiting for the microwave, a red light, standing in line, waiting for someone to answer the phone, and so forth — and talk with Jesus. It can be just three seconds such as, Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me , or Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything . You can even make it just one second: Praise you, Jesus! Or have a word with him — whatever you want to say.

The moment of prayer can certainly be longer, but it doesn’t have to be. No one can say they are too busy to connect with God during the day with this formula. Even if you add just a few seconds of communication several times during the day, you are drawing closer to God and opening yourself up to his gifts for you. By creating prayer triggers for this — moments that become habits to communicate with Jesus — it becomes automatic.

Writing this article, I realize I have plenty of pockets in my life I can still easily fill, but I also have a prayer trigger that has lasted around eight years. Whenever I water a geranium houseplant given to me on a birthday by a fellow parishioner who owns a greenhouse, I say a Hail Mary for him. It’s an automatic reflex. A few years ago, when I told him he was getting all those Hail Marys, he started bringing me a poinsettia every Christmas. The first time, I laughed and said, “Okay, you get a second Hail Mary during watering.” They keep coming every year now. By a conservative estimate, watering the plant twice a week and not even counting the poinsettia, he has gained well over 830 prayers.

What else are you doing during such times? Probably nothing. Or at least nothing that you can remember. Talking to Jesus instead is a beautiful thing. How beautiful?

St. Faustina would know, having communicated directly with Jesus through visions and been given the Divine Mercy devotion. In her Diary (146) she writes:

A soul arms itself by prayer for all kinds of combat. In whatever state the soul may be, it ought to pray. A soul that is pure and beautiful must pray, or it will lose its beauty; a soul that is striving after this purity must pray, or else it will never attain it; a soul that is newly converted must pray, or else it will fall again; a sinful soul, plunged in sins, must pray so that it might rise again. There is no soul which is not bound to pray, for every single grace comes to the soul through prayer.

Every saint filled their life with prayer. We may not be at the saint level, but we can find little places to start or to build on what we already do. Here are a few quotes for incentive:

• “Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself.” —St. Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney
•  “Prayer is the only channel through which God's great graces and favors may flow into the soul; and if this be once closed, I know no other way he can communicate them.” —St. Teresa of Jesus
•  “He who prays most receives most.” —St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

Prayer is about relationship, not just asking for things. It’s a lesson for our children to stay in touch with Jesus throughout the day, so that they see him as a friend and companion and not a wish-fulfillment center.

The best part about making a resolution to fill in a few blank spots by talking with Jesus — not to exclude the Blessed Mother and angels and saints in conversations too — is that the payoff begins right away. And later, if you get off track, you won’t have lost any money and can begin again immediately.

• new year's resolutions

Patti Maguire Armstrong Patti (Maguire) Armstrong is an award-winning journalist and was managing editor and co-author of the bestselling Amazing Grace Series . Her latest books are the humorous and inspirational second-edition Dear God, I Don't Get It , Dear God, You Can't Be Serious! , What Would Monica Do? and Holy Hacks . Patti worked in social work and public administration before staying home as a freelance writer while she and Mark raised their 10 children in North Dakota. Follow her on Twitter at @PattiArmstrong and read her blog at PattiMaguireArmstrong.com .

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Are You Making New Year's Resolutions This Year? Share Them With Us

Wynne Davis

A woman wearing a face mask walks past a New Year's decoration in central Moscow on Friday. Yuri Kadobnov/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

A woman wearing a face mask walks past a New Year's decoration in central Moscow on Friday.

Did you start 2020 with dreams of traveling more? Or maybe you wanted to break out of your shell and make new friends and explore your city? Perhaps you set fitness goals for yourself, or had the intention of spending more time with your family. Regardless of how you started this year, it's safe to say it probably did not go the way you'd planned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, we want to know how you're approaching 2021. Do you have questions on how to make resolutions or set intentions as we enter a new, unpredictable year? Are you waiting until you see things in your area start to return to how they were before making new goals?

Share your responses and questions with us in the form below and an NPR producer may reach out to you for an upcoming story.

Your submission will be governed by our general Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . As the Privacy Policy says, we want you to be aware that there may be circumstances in which the exemptions provided under law for journalistic activities or freedom of expression may override privacy rights you might otherwise have.