by Jess Smith, LCPC

Moving Into the New Year: Common New Year Goals

Well, we made it. 2021 is finally here. Goodbye and good riddance to 2020. So, now what?

New Year, New Me

Now that 2021 is here, let’s talk about some new goal/resolution ideas! You may have listened to our IG Live about setting new goals last week (if not, take a peek!), and Dr. K mentioned the idea of a brainstorming phase. Sometimes it can be difficult to create new goals for ourselves for various reasons, including stress, focus on everyday responsibilities, or barriers to change. But, if we take a moment to focus on moving forward and committing to transformation,  we can generate some great ideas and feel more empowered! After all, as we also mentioned in the IG Live, goals give us something to look forward to, give us a sense of purpose, and make us feel great when we accomplish them!

This blog provides some typical possibilities for new years resolutions broken into different categories, or realms of life, if you will. If you’re struggling to create some new 2021 goals for yourself, this blog may provide a few suggestions.

Let’s start with ideas for Physical goals:

• Weight loss, gain, or maintenance
• Establish doctor/dentist appointments you’ve been putting off
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Create a healthier, balanced relationship with food
• Limit fried food or sweets
• Start, or maintain exercise
• Drink more water
• Limit caffeine
• Get your nails done regularly (or do them yourself!)
• Start getting massages regularly
• Practice improved sleep hygiene

Here are some possible Emotional/Mental goals:

• Start therapy
• Read more
• Learn a new skill
• Take a class
• Practice affirmations
• Join a support group
• Practice forgiveness
• Start a gratitude list and add to it each day
• Incorporate more comedy, humor, or lightness
• Start journaling

Check out these Social goals:

• Reconnect with lost relationships
• Express more affection toward loved ones
• Spread some kindness (i.e. give more compliments or “pay it forward” regularly)
• Volunteer
• Make amends for past wrong-doings in relationships
• Join a club
• Schedule a monthly family game night
• Start eating meals as a family
• Limit social media and electronics time to be more present with loved ones in real-time

Check out these Professional goals:

• Ask your boss what you can be working on this year
• Review yearly feedback or constructive criticism given
• Break down a promotion into tangible steps
• Jump into a new project or task
• Ask to lead a group, meeting, or project
• Ask for a salary increase or more time off

And lastly, some Spiritual goal ideas:

• Start meditating regularly
• Spend more time in nature
• Add in prayer
• Read religious or spiritual texts
• Attend church, mosque, or temple regularly
• Visit a labyrinth regularly
• Learn more about other religions

As you can see, what’s great about this brainstorming phase is that there’s endless possibilities! We, as humans, are always capable of learning and growing, even in the face of significant challenges. With the importance of goal-setting in mind, we at Wellness & Co. are here to support you in creating new goals and working toward accomplishing them!

Up next, we’ll talk more about how to get motivated to start creating and working toward your new 2021 goals!