Why Goals are Better than Resolutions + 10 ideas to get you started

January 1, 2023 | 12:07 am

Updated December 31, 2022 | 8:39 pm

This column originally appeared in the December-January issue of Owensboro Parent.

When we make New Year resolutions we are “resolving” to make a change, but in most cases without a plan. No plan typically means no action, setting yourself up for burnout and discouragement. 

Staying motivated isn’t realistic under those circumstances. What if your family made yearly goals instead of resolutions? Goals come with clear plans of how to achieve them and therefore you have a more realistic chance of having the 2023 you want!  

Here are 10 goals to get you thinking about your new year and making the changes you want in your life.

 Be more active.

Most of us aren’t as active as we’d like to be. Committing to at least 30 minutes of exercise everyday could make a big change in the lives of your family.  

 Go on a real vacation.

Are you guilty of planning a trip packing as many activities into the week as possible? Instead of booking your calendar up with trips, take some actual time off and REST!

 Spend more time outside.

Time in nature does a family good. Find an app or website that can help you track your own hours and meet your goal. 

 Pay off a debt.

While this can be easier said than done, it’s something that can make the biggest difference in your life, especially your mental health.

 Donate to something you care about.

Whether you donate financially or with your time, donating to a cause that you care about can be a great lesson for your children.

 Learn a new recipe every month.

Not only can you commit to eating together more as a family, but you can make a goal to learn a new recipe each month. This is the perfect opportunity to make healthier food choices and spend more time as a family. 

 Shop with more small businesses.

Your impact when shopping small is much larger than when shopping with big companies. This is a good lesson to start early with your children. 

 Use affirmations.

Family affirmations can help reframe old ways of thinking and create the positive, strong relationships we need to have a happy life. Every week pick a new affirmation of the week and try to use it daily.

 Do whatever you’ve been putting off.

Maybe this is a significant purchase that your family needs, a surgery or procedure that would make life easier, a home improvement project. Whatever it is, set a plan to make it happen this year.

 Call your friends and family.

If there’s anything the past few years have taught us, it’s that life is short. The most important thing in life is the people you love and spending time with them. Call your friends and family more often. Make plans. Hang out. Make memories. 

January 1, 2023 | 12:07 am

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