Fail-Proof New Year’s Resolutions

Dreams, goals, ‘bucket lists’ – call them what you will, but it’s the time of year when we set ourselves up for failure by, yet again, creating an unrealistic list of New Year resolutions. Even though, in our heart of hearts, we know we’re doomed to fail, we simply can’t resist. So, this year, why not treat yourself more kindly by creating a (short) list of resolutions you know you can see through to completion with a satisfying, but not unreasonable, degree of discipline and determination. A list like this will differ widely from person to person, but do-able suggestions like the ones below can get you started.

Cook-book creative!

Resolve to liven things up in the kitchen by cooking (or baking) one recipe a week from a random cook book, for 3 months. That’s around 12 new recipes, which is both do-able, and fun. To find your random cook book, head to an op-shop, second-hand book store, or library (and don’t spend more than 5 minutes choosing). If thrift is important, reduce the ‘random’ nature of your choice, and seek out a budget recipe book. Don’t forget to bookmark the success stories!

Focus on family

The young people in our lives grow up before we know it, and suddenly, they’re independent, and we barely see them. This year, resolve to form closer relationships with the children you care about most by scheduling realistic bonding times. Catch-ups with teens might be a once-a-month ‘mates meal’ where you meet at a pizza joint (your shout), or they come to yours for a yarn over a slap-up feed or a takeaway. Littles will enjoy a picnic on the back lawn or the park, while tweenies will relish the idea of helping you prepare a simple shared meal, or baking a dessert while you chat together at the kitchen counter-top. Keep the dates do-able by pencilling them in well in advance, defining (for you both) the amount of time you’ll be spending together, and being prepared to change the meeting time if it’s called for.

One new healthy habit

We already know the major shift in eating habits or giving up of smoking is unlikely to happen simply because we resolve to make it happen (most of us need support to achieve goals that demanding). However, while you seek out support, you can resolve to make one new healthy lifestyle change you know you can stick to. It might be: a daily 20 minute walk before midday twice a week; a piece of fruit instead of a cookie snack, one day a week; or an alcohol-free week once a month. However you do it, don’t make unreasonable demands on yourself, and set a start and end date for your resolution (you can always renew your decision when the time is up, if you want to).

Take a break

Everyone deserves (and benefits) from a break away, from time to time. But planning (even for short breaks) takes effort, and more substantial holidays often need to be budgeted for. Which is why we very often give up on vacations before we even start. This year, resolve to take two achievable, affordable short breaks, or one longer one (you can always add in more if you feel like it). To achieve your short breaks, tailor your plans to your budget (a camp ground cabin or tramping hut, in the company of friends, can be as much fun as a 5 star hotel!). Don’t venture too far from home, keep the duration on the short side, book ahead and invite friends so you can’t back out. When it comes to achieving the longer break, think about where you can make savings to your income (cutting magazine or internet subscriptions, or using the car less often can make significant cuts to outgoings). Check out budget flights, package deals, shoulder-season specials, and house or pet-sitting options. Your ‘big’ break needn’t break the bank!

You’re doing good

When it comes down to it, most of us want to help others. But all too often, our goodwill gestures peter out because we set the bar too high. This year, let your offers of help be carefully thought out, so you know they won’t demand more of you than you’re able to give. For some, that means making a commitment regularly timetabled (such as delivering meals-on-wheels one day a fortnight). But for others, routine is the very thing that turns us off, and we’re better to make our gestures less structured (such as: I will knit three garments a year for a charity). However you do it, doing good for others will also be good for you!

It’s small, well-considered resolutions (you know are achievable) that fill you with the confidence to keep making them. And once you start, you may never stop!