5 types of resolutions for a Happy New Year

new years resolutions

When my kids were younger, around the first of each January we’d sit at our kitchen table together and make our New Year’s Resolutions. We’ve gotten out of the habit, but what we did back then was shoot for five resolutions, one in each of five categories.

  1. Spiritual. This goal that has to do with spiritual formation. Maybe “Join a Bible study,” “Read through the Bible,” “Start a prayer journal.” Make your goal reasonable but challenging. Consider enlisting a friend to join in this resolution. Having a partner makes goals so much more attainable.
  2. Social. Set a goal that has to do with relationships. “Call my grandparents weekly,” or “Set a weekly date night with my spouse/significant other.” Maybe “Join a group where I can meet peers (mommy & me, book club, senior center, whatever).” You’ll want to schedule this one, put it on your calendar. Things on my calendar tend to get a higher priority. True for you?
  3. Intellectual. Do something for your brain this year. Have you read War & Peace? This is your year. Or you could take a class. There are classes at community colleges, universities, even at your local craft or home repair store. Too daunting? Then learn a new kind of puzzle or game. Sudoku, acrostics, crossword puzzles: all of these boost brain power. Make your goal specific, though. “Finish War & Peace by April 15,” or “Work five crossword puzzles a week.” If your goal isn’t specific, you’ll have a hard time knowing when you’ve achieved it.
  4. Physical. What can you do for your health this year? Resolve to “Join a fitness club,” “Start a walking club,” or “Try one new healthful food each week.” Remember though, sometimes we fall short of our goals. If this happens, cut your self some slack. No one’s perfect. Just pick yourself up again and get back on track.
  5. Financial. Set a goal that has to do with your finances. “Start a Christmas Club savings account” or “Meet with a financial advisor.” Even better, link your financial goal to your spiritual goal and resolve to “Increase charitable giving.”

After making these initial five resolutions, break each one down into little goals, small steps, that will help you achieve your resolutions. For example, if the physical goal is to run a marathon, then running shoes might be in order. (Or in my case, a lobotomy.) These short term goals help measure success and help us stay motivated to keep our resolutions. Try to come up with at least three mini-goals for each resolution. Maybe you can break it down even smaller–setting micro-mini goals for each mini-goal. Each time you achieve any of these goals, make sure to reward yourself with at least a pat on the back and maybe even a latte.

In my opinion, goal setting is always good. Even if we fall short of our own expectations, I suspect we accomplish more than if we didn’t aim for anything at all. So gather up your kids, family, or friends and plan now for a successful year.

Do you have tips for making resolutions? Share in the comment section. Already made yours? Tell us about them!

By Aileen MItchell Lawrimore

Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore is a mother x 3, wife x 35 (years not men), minister, speaker, writer, retreat leader, and lover of beagles and books. She has a lot to say.