At this point, the idea of setting a New Year's resolution is almost comical. Because if the 2020s have taught us anything so far, it's that life rarely goes as planned. We have far less control over the future than we'd like to believe, habit trackers be damned. So we might as well have some fun and approach the new year in a way that's, I don't know, enjoyable? Exciting? Anything but a source of stress and mental anguish?
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Yet, the pressure to treat every January 1st like it's some sort of magical reset button that will miraculously fix all of our problems and transform us into perfect beings persists. But you heard it here first: lofty, unattainable goals are so last year. It's time to flip the script on restrictive resolutions and embrace alternatives that prioritize the point of it all: living a life you're proud of.
And guess what? You don't need to lose 10 pounds or start waking up at 5 a.m. to do just that.
Personally, I find that creating goals based on novelty and experimentation is a far more effective approach to actually following through on doing the things I say I'm going to do. So this year, let's ditch the pressure of traditional resolutions and let these ten alternatives lead the way. So sit down while you watch the ball drop or binge your favorite New Year's Eve movie, and make yourself a list of 2024 goals you'll actually achieve.
One Word
Pick a single word that embodies what you want out of the upcoming year. Then keep it on your lock screen, written on your mirror, or anywhere else you'll see it daily. Use that word to guide your decisions and actions, and let it surprise you with all the different ways it shows up.
Goal Bingo
TikToker @erinljones95 went viral last year for her game-changing take (literally) on the classic resolution list: turning it into a bingo card. If you like to win and need some extra motivation to hit your objectives, this one's for you. There are (surprisingly) quite a few free bingo card makers online, or you can use Canva's generator.
Bucket List
The bucket list is the resolution list's cooler, older sister: less concerned about reaching expected milestones and more interested in having new and interesting experiences. Reframe the typical December 31st question of "What do I want to achieve?" into "What do I want to experience?" When your list starts looking like a collection of potentially wild adventures, you're on the right track.
To-Don't List
This one's for the people pleasers and chronic overschedulers. Instead of adding more to your plate, make a list of things you're actively choosing not to do this year. It could be anything from saying no to social events when you need some alone time, avoiding toxic relationships, or even something as simple as not checking your work email after hours. If letting go of it will bring you more peace, add it to the list.
Monthly Resolutions
"Become a runner" is a big and vague resolution that's tough to stick to. But "Get up to three miles without stopping" for January? Or "Sign up for a 5k" for February?" Totally doable. Whether you pick a larger objective, break it down into monthly milestones, or switch up your focus every four weeks, this strategy is far more sustainable—and motivating.
TBR List
Here's something no one ever tells you: you don't have to base your yearly goals on self-improvement AT ALL. You could just...do things you enjoy? Shocking, I know. That's where a To Be Read list comes in. Whether your love is good old-fashioned paperbacks or the convenience of audiobooks, creating a list of titles you want to tackle in 2024 is a great way to kickstart a reading habit. A To Watch List (for movies or TV shows) or a To Listen To List (for podcasts) works just as well.
List of Things to Look Forward To
Again, this one isn't about self-improvement per se but rather reminding ourselves that there are a lot of reasons to be excited about the future, even when it feels like the world is spinning out of control. Make a list of things you're looking forward to this year, from big events (weddings, trips) to smaller moments (like the new release of a favorite artist's album). When you're feeling down, this list will serve as a reminder that there's still good to come.
365-Day Project
Imagine what you could accomplish if you took aligned action towards a larger goal every single day. Choose a major objective you'd like to reach by the end of the year (like writing a book or learning a new language), and then ask yourself what daily action you could take to get there. Want more inspiration? Check out Daring to Live Fully's ideas for other 365 Day Projects.
Goal Jar
This one's great for both the easily overwhelmed and the forgetful. Write down a bunch of ideas for things you'd like to accomplish or try on slips of paper, fold them up, and put them in a jar. Every month (or week, depending on how ambitious you're feeling), pull out one slip at random and commit to it. Just make sure you have a mix of both fun and productive ideas in the jar—and that they're all realistically achievable.
Book Guidance
Self-help books can offer some seriously life-changing advice—but only if you follow it. Pick one book to tackle for the year (or the quarter), and use that time to integrate what you're learning into your life. This means taking notes, journaling about your progress, and actually implementing the suggestions. The key is to use the book as a guide rather than a solution. Because ultimately, you're already equipped with everything you need to succeed—you just have to find it within yourself.
