Making Resolutions for 2020 and Why This Year Will Be Different
So it’s finally 2020, and with the celebration of the new year comes those pesky resolutions. If you’re anything like me, my relationship with setting goals and setting resolutions has been rocky, to say the least. In the past I’ve been everything from incredibly optimistic, “This is going to be MY year” to dangerously cynical “Ugh, resolutions are so stupid”.
But this year might be different. No, really. I’m by no means an expert, but I have picked up a few nuggets of wisdom over time that have changed my perspective on goal-setting . So I’m going to pass some tips along and then share with you my new goals for 2020.
Any Day Can Be New Years
Now, I know what you’re thinking; ‘Hannah, it’s already January 12th, seems like you’re a bit behind. The new year started a whole week ago. How can I possibly be expected to accomplish anything if I’m already behind the eight ball?” Well, that’s kind of the beauty of it. You can start a new habit or project literally anytime. The new year can come with a lot of pressure, when in reality, it’s just another day. Calendars are made up. Time is a human construct. Start whenever.
2. Don’t Fail Before You Start
One thing I’ve been consistently guilty of in the past is setting goals that are unrealistic, there was no room to give myself grace. I cannot tell you how many times I told myself in college, ‘That’s it, this year, I’m going to the gym EVERY DAY”. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to exercise, but going from zero days a week to 7 is insane. Setting this goal always ended the same way, with me crying in the Taco Bell drive thru and ordering 3 chalupas. Don’t be like me. Set smaller goals, and go to Taco Bell without the tears.
3. Quantify It
When making a goal, one of the most helpful things I’ve found is making it measurable. Quantify it. When there’s a way to track what’s been done and record it, you’ll be able to see your progress, or the days you missed. A better solution to that exercise resolution would have been to try to work out for 1 hour, 3 days a week. Then it’s time I can keep track of, and I can literally check it off on my calendar. For 2020, I wrote out several different charts and color-coded boxes to keep track with, and my inner nerd absolutely adores the process.
4. Choose Goals You Care About
This one seems super obvious, but I was surprised at how often in the past I set goals that I thought I should do instead of things I care about. It reminds me of the english teacher I had my sophomore year of high school who was the first person to tell me that if you don’t like a book, you don’t have to finish it. At the time, this blew my 16 year old mind. Apparently, this idea had never occurred to me, which is crazy because nowadays, if that new Netflix show doesn’t pique my interest in the first 30 seconds, I’m out. The point is, spend time chasing goals that actually mean something to you, and you’re much more likely to reach the finish line.
Alright, that’s about all I got for tips. With these in mind, I created my new goals for 2020, and I’m so excited to share. Here they are:
Read 1 book per month -- Like I said, I love reading, but haven’t done nearly enough since school. One each month may not feel like much, but it’s something. I’ve already dug into my first one, it’s called Start by Jon Acuff, and it rocks. 10/10 definitely recommend.
Eat 3 whole foods per day -- If you’re keeping score at home, you probably noticed that I struggle with eating healthy. (If only Qdoba wasn’t so delicious!) So I simplified mine to 3 whole foods a day. Simple enough, and easy to keep track.
Spend 1 month outside -- Obviously this won’t be consecutive days, since adulting requires going to work and showering regularly, but my goal is to spend the equivalent of one month’s time doing outdoor activities (camping, hunting, etc.).
Write 1 blog per month -- I realize this is not a lot by any means, but since writing is so new to me, I don't want to set myself up to fail, but I did want to commit to it, and create a realistic expectation for my readers. Plus, this is technically my second blog for January and now I get to feel like quite the overachiever. Look at that, TWO blogs?! I should be careful, I might pull a muscle patting myself on the back like that.
Business Goal: Book 5 weddings this year -- This one is pretty straightforward. Either videography or photography will qualify for this one, and I’m currently working on booking at least this many. If you know anyone getting married this year, be sure to send them my way!
Those are my goals for 2020, but I’d love to hear yours! What are some new projects, adventures, or resolutions you’re taking on this year? I’d love to hear about how you’re tackling them, and what methods work best for you. If you're not sure, just know it's never too late to start! Don’t forget to let me know in the comments!
Happy New Year!
-- Hannah Elise