Instead of Resolutions, Here are 10 Reasonable Suggestions for the New Year

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Another year. A new start. A fresh beginning — 2019 is here and full of opportunities and adventures.

I’ve never been big on making New Year’s resolutions. When I don’t accomplish them, it makes me feel like a failure, so I just come up with things I’d like to do to make for a better year than the last. Way less pressure.

While doing some thinking on New Year’s Day, I came up with ten things that I not only want to do, but wanted to share with you to see if any (or all) of them would help you as well.

1. Remember those who mean the most to you.

Whether it’s your parents’ anniversary, your sibling’s birthday, or a significant day for a friend, compile a calendar for the year to make sure you remember these events. I have a paper one on my cabinet, but I also have the dates in my phone. At the beginning of each month, see what’s coming up. Grab a few cards at the store and go ahead and address and fill them out and have them ready to mail to get to the recipients in time. Here are some free printable calendars I found on Pinterest.

I get my mother-in-law a personalized family calendar from Walgreens every year with each family member’s birthday and anniversary on it. She loves it because it helps her to not forget anyone’s special day.

10 reasonable suggestions for the new year - keep a calendar

2. Create a family calendar.

Whether you have one on your refrigerator or wall at home, or use one on your phone, it’s important to keep up with where everyone is and where they need to be at any given time. I have both, and my favorite calendar app is Cozi. The whole family can use it and update and delete plans when they change. 

3. Meal plan.

I talk a lot about meal planning, and while it isn’t always fun, that 15 minutes each week saves me time and frustration later in the week. I don’t have to wonder what’s for dinner because it’s written on my dry erase menu planner. While you’re at it, go ahead and schedule a Walmart Grocery pickup or delivery, or get a Shipt subscription and save the extra time and hassle of going to the grocery store. You also won’t be tempted to buy unnecessary items if you shop from home!

4. Think ahead about vacations.

Many people put in for vacation time in January for the entire year. My husband isn’t one of those, and many times his request gets declined if we wait until close to time and there are other people already off. Also, you can start saving for future vacations as well, like that Disney World trip we want to eventually take! Set airfare trackers to keep an eye on flight prices, and check travel sites for deals as well.

5. Clean a little every day.

Don’t let the house be dirty, laundry piled up, garbage cans full, and sheets needing to be washed all at the same time. No one wants to spend their weekend doing all that. Throw in a load of laundry when the basket is full, clean the kitchen after dinner each night, vacuum and mop weekly. Little things add up and can save you time in the long run. Pinterest has plenty of cleaning schedule suggestions to choose from.

6. Schedule intentional family time and date nights.

Once a month (or more often if you can), plan a family outing to somewhere you haven’t been but want to try. A few of our favorites recently are Paramount (downtown) and Dave & Buster’s (Hoover). It’s more fun when the activity has something for everyone to enjoy. Also, date nights . . . if those don’t get on the calendar and the babysitter booked in advanced, they won’t happen. Aim for once a month as a starting point. You and your partner need that time to reconnect.

10 reasonable suggestions for the new year - prioritize family time

7. Get a health checkup.

A yearly physical is important. So is getting blood work and any other tests done. Make sure to tell your physician anything that is bothering you. If you don’t have a primary care physician, find one. Check your insurance and ask for recommendations. Ladies, get your yearly mammograms and pap smears. Prevention is key and these aren’t tests you should ever skip. Don’t forget about those eye exams, dental visits, and dermatology check ups. Don’t forget about exercise! My goal is to take three classes at the Y each week. 

8. Declutter and purge.

You don’t have to wait until “spring cleaning” to get a start on this. Each week (or maybe month for those who aren’t as excited about it), focus on a room, closet, attic, or garage — anywhere that has things that can be gotten rid of. Trash or donate what you can and organize the rest.

9. Take time for yourself.

Whether it’s a hair or nail appointment, wandering the aisles at Target, or time with girlfriends, do what helps you recharge and relax. You all know the saying about if Mama ain’t happy . . . Books and podcasts are other options. I did a lot of reading in 2018, and plan to keep that going this year. I’m aiming for at least one book a month, more if I can make it happen! I made it through one podcast and look forward to finding more!

10 reasonable suggestions for the new year - take time for yourself

10. Give yourself a break.

One of my favorite quotes from my favorite book of 2018, Girl Wash Your Face, says, “Other people’s opinions of me are none of my business.” I spend way too much time worrying about what everyone else thinks and am going to be doing a lot less of that in the new year.

I hope some (or all) of these thoughts/suggestions/ideas help you, and I wish you the very best 2019!