During the last few days of the year, we’re thinking about the goals that will help us become better in 2017. Whether you’re the type of person who picks one resolution and dedicates all of her energy to it, or the girl who writes down three to five resolutions to keep in mind throughout the year, I encourage you all to add one more thing to your list: keep setting goals.
This is the time of year when many of us feel our most motivated, but as we all know, life tends to get in the way. Don’t be discouraged if some of your resolutions don’t last past St. Patrick’s Day; at the end of the day, you tried something new and learned something about yourself. And remember, January 1st isn’t the only day you can turn over a new leaf – maybe it makes more sense to launch your business in April, or learn a new language when you have free time in the summer. Make 2017 your best year ever by coming back and reviewing your goals frequently, then feel free to adjust as needed. Keep reading for 17 of our favorites to get you started, and if your goal is to become a morning person this year, we’ve got you covered!
featured image via oh happy day
Plan for tomorrow.
Take 15 minutes every evening before bed to write down goals, to-dos, and scheduling for the next day. The simple act of writing them down makes it infinitely more likely that you’ll actually make things happen, plus you won’t be laying in bed at night worrying over forgetting something important. You can rest in the fact that it’s all already scheduled into your day!
Do a digital detox one day per week.
Experts say that taking regular “digital detoxes” from your phone and social media increase mental clarity and provide breathing room that leads to more creative thinking.
Try out one new recipe each week.
By the end of the year, you’ll have experimented with 52 new recipes, tried so many new flavor combinations, improved your cooking skills, and likely added some great new dishes to your repertoire!
Keep a gratitude journal.
Writing down a few things you’re thankful for each day will make you happier, less anxious, and more compassionate towards others.
photo from the school of styling
Take an online or IRL class to learn a new skill.
It could be photography, horseback riding, calligraphy, surfing, or anything else you’ve always been curious about! You might discover a new passion or meet new friends, and the sheer act of stepping outside your comfort zone will always result in personal growth.
Skillshare – online courses in topics like photography, calligraphy, and graphic design
General Assembly – online and in-person classes to turn you into a web developer in a flash
Brit + Co – online courses like branding, photo editing, and other tools to help launch your biz
Informal Classes at UT – in-person courses like backyard chicken keeping and the art of meditation
Shop at the farmer’s market.
Instead of sourcing your produce, dairy, and meat from the grocery store, try incorporating a once-a-week farmer’s market trip into your routine. It’s better for the environment, better for the local economy, and it’ll ensure you’re consuming only the freshest and most seasonal ingredients.
Start actually budgeting.
Most of us talk about spending less in really vague terms, but until you actually take the time to crunch your numbers, there’s no real way to measure and modify your spending habits. If it’s about time you got serious about your money, there are apps like Mint that make it easy to do so.
Launch your blog, business, Etsy store, etc.
We all have our lists of harebrained inventions or side-hustle ideas. Why shouldn’t 2017 be the year you actually pursued one of them?
Get your (digital) act together.
Do you have old computers, digital cameras, and external hard drives hiding in your closet? Salvage the files you want to keep and sell or donate your outdated electronics. You’ll feel so much lighter once you’ve done it!
Become a morning person.
A focused and productive AM routine is something almost all successful people have in common. Join us in the month of January for our #31mornings Challenge and start each day with a morning meditation, challenging yoga move, and healthy breakfast recipe.
Prioritize your goals in writing.
You’re much more likely to achieve your goals when you’ve written them down clearly. Make a list of your goals for 2017 and list them in order of importance. Keep this list somewhere handy in your phone or computer and check in on it every week. As the year moves forward, make sure that you’re spending your time and energy in ways that directly serve your goals.
Teach an older person in your family how to use a computer or smart phone.
Set your grandma up with a Facebook account or teach your mom how to text photos. They will enjoy spending the time with you and using the tools for their own social lives. Have patience and remember that the language of computers may be entirely new to them!
Read one book a month.
Set aside some “me time” to relax and dive into a new book every few weeks. Join a book club with friends for endless recommendations, or check out our series What to Read, Watch, and Listen To This Month for our current faves.
Complete a closet overhaul.
Nothing will make you feel more organized going into 2017 than a clean closet. Sift through yours and harshly choose which items you can donate or trash completely. Then reward yourself by stocking up on key pieces and exciting finds throughout the year.
Try to learn a new language.
This resolution is always in the back of our brains… Kickstart the new year by deciding to take a crack at learning Italian, brushing up on your high school French, or deciphering Mandarin. Bonus: To test your skills, you’ll of course have to travel to a new country to master your accent!
Go to sleep earlier.
This could be the most surefire way to lead a happier, healthier life in 2017. The trick is sticking to a routine and staying off your phone one hour before bed. When in doubt, a hot shower will definitely help you hit the hay. And in the morning you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
Choose to be happy.
Surround yourself with empowering friends, take care of yourself physically and mentally, and start every day with the intention of being happy. Make a conscious effort to find joy throughout the day, and don’t be afraid to treat yourself every once in a while!
