2020 has been one of the worst years for us. What with the Beirut explosion, the killing of George Floyd that took the United States of America and consequently the whole world by storm, world leaders locking horns with each other over oil resources, the massive wildfires across the world, climate change, hurricanes in eastern and southeastern Asia and of course the global pandemic that has claimed over 1.7 million lives. But with 2021 on the horizon, everyone awaits the moment when it is finally the time to leave this tragic year in the past and start afresh. And what better way is there to relish the coming year than planning out your new year resolution ideas that you know you don’t want to let go of this year.
New Year Resolution Ideas for 2021
At one point, we’ve all set super high achieving goals for ourselves to celebrate the new year. And as January ends, that gym membership card continues to gather dust in your wallet, or those pile of books you bought when you promised to find time to read. The key to setting new year resolutions that you actually end up accomplishing is setting short-term goals first. Here are a few new year resolution ideas that will definitely carry you through 2021 and leave you with your dream self towards the end.
1. Read One Book a Week
Set a short term goal for yourself, even if you think you can do better. Remember, baby steps are still movements. Start with reading one book a week. Books help store an extensive vocabulary, help you learn about different cultures and even sharpens your memory and perception levels, leaving you sharper, smarter and brighter than before. Not to mention, reading is super addictive. A week into this method, and you’ll see yourself devouring book after book no matter how tired you are.
2. Meditate For At Least 10 Minutes In a Day
We all love to think that we are super busy and never get a moment to spare for ourselves. The truth, however, is just this: we suck at time management. It should not be too difficult to practice a meditation regime for only 10 minutes in a day if you really set your heart to it. Meditation helps your mind and body to rejuvenate and relax. It should most likely be practiced in the morning, as soon as you wake up and right before you go to bed. Medication can work both ways, helping you stay focused and energized throughout the day and helping you calm down enough to make you fall asleep as soon as you hit the pillows. Start meditating today, and you yourself will notice how productive your days start to become.
3. Work On Refining Your Hobby
Most of us have that one hobby we loved doing when we were children, but never get the time for anymore. This year, promise yourself to work on refining your skills. Free up a little time in your busy schedule that gives you just enough to practice to your heart’s content. Maybe you want to get that old high school era guitar refurbished, or start painting again. Perhaps it can be something as simple as journaling. Whatever it is, know that you deserve happiness and indulging in your hobby on a regular basis will significantly boost your spirits and make you more motivated than before.
4. Spend More Time With Nature
There’s a lot to learn from the beauty of nature. One of the biggest drawbacks is that we city-dwelling folks hardly ever get the time to explore our nature or even just take a walk in the park. Or at least, that’s what we tell ourselves. Usually, it’s just us being great at finding excuses. Factor in some downtime for a simple stroll around the block or if you feel like you can take the extra shot, maybe even a hiking trip or two. Either way, you’ll be getting your fair share of nature and exercise as a bonus.
5. Enjoy The Little Things
Your new year goals don’t have to reach for the stars. In fact, one thing that 2020 has left us with is that life is only so long. To live life to the fullest, one must learn to notice and enjoy the smaller acts of kindness we see or receive from those around us. Appreciate life’s simple pleasures, like the beauty of the first rains, when dewdrops cling to newborn leaves, and everything looks greener and brighter, and you are never truly lonely anymore. Or even the night sky, as you notice a million stars engulfing your soul. It can be gratifying to learn that there’s a lot more to life than making money or raising children.
6. Learn To Love Yourself
This may seem one of the unconventional new year resolution ideas, but self-love isn’t always easy. We’ve all been drilled with highly unrealistic beauty standards. They set expectations to an unnatural height, and most of the time it’s just skilled photoshop or camera angles that go into achieving that “picture-perfect” look. Learning to love yourself can be a bittersweet journey. Accept your body the way it is, and trust us, you’ll come out of the new year feeling better about yourself than ever. The first step you need to take is to acknowledge how useful every part of your body has been to you. Thank it and love it for being there for you no matter what. Next, you need to stop labelling your “flaws” as flaws. All of your features are what makes you, you. Love them, no matter what.
7. Clean Your Room/Workspace
Cleaning never seems like fun, and way too much work when you know you are going to revert back to the old bat cave it was in no time. But this time, promise yourself to work or even just spend time in a cleaner environment. Having a messy workspace or room can be pretty demotivational, and it can even affect the quality and quantity of your work. If it’s neat and tidy, you’re more likely to get done before all of those deadlines come crashing down on you. Speaking of deadlines, let’s talk about that nasty procrastination habit of yours.
8. Stop Procrastinating
The best way to get yourself to stop procrastinating is to make a to-do list every morning. There’s just something so über satisfying when you cross off a task. The sense of accomplishment it gives you is truly glorifying. In fact, research says that crossing off chores on a to-do list can release endorphins. Use this biochemistry to your advantage and get things done when they’re supposed to. Don’t leave things for the end moment. You never know what can come your way. Try and finish your tasks on the day they are assigned. You’ll thank yourself for it.
9. Come Out Of Your Comfort Zone and Travel
Everyone’s got cabin fever, what with the world-wide lockdowns this year. Take this time to explore the world and plan out those trips you’ve been putting off since forever. Once travel is declared safe, you can be on your way to visit every place you’ve ever wanted to see. Save up for your trip in time, plan meticulously, save on hotel and travel bookings by booking in time, and be sure to plan a foolproof itinerary so that you are at the top of your travel game, without burning a hole in your pocket as well.
10. Give Back To Society
With times like these, especially considering the pandemic, it makes one realize what privilege really means. While most of us have been cozy within our homes and protecting ourselves from the pandemic, many people have not been so lucky. This year, tap into your compassion and learn to give back to society. Even if it’s volunteer work or money donations, there are ways to help the needy, and you can choose what you like. What matters is the sentiment. However, make sure you research into which organization you are contributing to. It’s important to factor in the authenticity of these organizations.
Whatever your final new year resolution ideas are, know this, that you do need to work towards them actively. 2020 has left us with a powerful lesson. This time we have is limited. Our life is only so long. Nothing is certain. So live in the moment. Love every second of it. And work towards all of your dreams, because you’ve only got so long. May 2021 be the year where this world is the best it’s ever been. Here’s to a brighter future!
