New year’s resolutions are absurd. The whole premise of committing to a new habit, new diet, new hobby you haven’t fully tested is a recipe for failure. Yet every year, 189 million Americans make a new year’s resolution, and then 93% break them.
My best friend* has never broken a new year’s resolution. She’s one of those people that is physically incapable of breaking rules, a tried and true citizen of the law. Her secret? She’s never made one. I on the other hand have consistently made and broken my new year’s resolutions for 36 years. I can’t even commit to the same hair color for a year, much less a new organization system, major lifestyle change, or vegan diet.
Despite that, I feel compelled to “resolve” something for 2021. This is likely due to the number of horrendous habits I’ve attached myself to while staying home during the pandemic. That and — aside from last week when 2021 asked 2020 to hold its beer — I’m feeling quite optimistic and hopeful for what this year may bring.
A Smarter Way to Make a New Year’s Resolution
The goal? Build some healthy habits that’ll stick in 2021.
The challenge? I’m a walking poster child for a Type B ENFP who thrives on newness, fears monotony, and thinks new year’s resolutions are really, really dumb.
The solution? A series of “new month resolutions” that strengthen emotional and physical health by adding and doing, not taking away.
Consider this: do add vegetables to your diet; don’t stop eating carbs. Do read non-fiction daily; don’t stop reading fiction.
You can do anything for 30 days, especially when you’re not trying to adhere to impossible expectations. Monthly challenges fulfill the pesky need to have a resolution, keep progress fun and ever changing, and most importantly, set you up for success.
About Kelly Attempts
Kelly Attempts chronicles this journey. It’s a commitment to one achievable mental challenge and one achievable physical challenge every month.
January is flossing and exercise. Stay tuned for what’s next.
*One of two. Four if you count family.