It’s crazy to think that another year has already come and gone. I don’t know about you, but it’s been a crazy year full of firsts, changes and adventure. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was sitting on my couch after Christmas making my vision board and setting goals for 2022, and now I’m in the same position planning for 2023.
Speaking of planning, the beginning of the new year is when many people set resolutions or things they hope to change, accomplish or improve about themselves or their life. In theory, it’s a great idea, however, many fail to succeed. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of New Year’s Resolutions fail, mostly due to people setting unrealistic resolutions.
Is it worth setting New Year’s Resolutions? Yes, however, there are different approaches to setting resolutions for the new year that may help you be more successful. Here are 3 alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions.
Vision Boards
I started making vision boards last year, and I’ve found the process to be soothing and inspiring. In a way, you’re manifesting what you want by creating a vision board that you’ll look at all year. I’ve seen many TikToks of people whose vision boards came to life over the last year, and that’s your end goal.
Start by creating a list of what you want your year to look like. This can include certain aesthetics, goals, etc. For example, my list includes moving into an apartment and booking a trip to Sweden. Once your list is complete, scroll through Pinterest and search keywords to find images that you’d like to include in your vision board. For example, I searched “city apartment aesthetic,” “classy aesthetic,” and “Sweden summer.” Save the images to a Pinterest board.
Once you’re happy with the images you’ve collected, save them to your desktop. Now, it’s time to make the vision board! I use Canva, as I find it’s the easiest option and it’s free. You can also print the images and paste them into a journal, on a poster or canvas. In Canva, I use the Desktop Wallpaper size (1920 x 1080) because I like to set my vision board as my laptop screen. Upload all your images and add them to the vision board in whichever way you like. You can also add stickers or text to your vision board. It’s completely up to you!
The whole goal of creating a vision board is that you have something that you’ll look at frequently that reminds you of your goals. When you’re done making it, I recommend printing it and hanging it where you’ll see it often or making it the wallpaper of your computer and phone.
Bingo Cards
Bingo cards are a fun alternative to New Year’s Resolutions. You can make one yourself or you can make them with friends. A New Year bingo card is a card where you put scenarios or goals on it, and you stamp them as they happen. If you want, you can give yourself awards if you cross off a row. You can be serious with this activity or you can have fun by putting obscure things on your card. Even better, you and a friend can make each other’s bingo cards.
Goals
Setting goals is a more traditional alternative to New Year’s Resolutions, and it’s my go-to method. Setting goals can seem daunting, which is why you should start small. Set smaller monthly goals that you want to achieve and then set overarching goals that you want to achieve by the end of the year. This gives you something to always be working on and towards, and doesn’t allow you the opportunity to procrastinate.
The most important thing to remember when creating your goals is to be realistic. Don’t create goals that you know you won’t be able to achieve and don’t overwhelm yourself with too many goals.
Write down your goals so that you can refer back to them and check them off as you go. I like to keep mine easily accessible in a notes app, but you can also journal your goals. Write down your goals, describe how you plan to achieve them, and what it will look like when you achieve them. This is a great way to visualize and make a plan to reach your goals.
Looking for more inspiration? Here are six ways to stick to your New Year’s goals!
I love a good vision board!!