I know, I know, how can we possibly be talking about New Year's resolutions when Christmas is still, at the time of this post being published, just a day or two away? But it is coming and there's not a thing we can do about it! Sorry. What we CAN do is meet it with resolutions--preferably resolutions we can actually keep! While I'm definitely not the poster child for resolution follow through, I do have a few ideas to hopefully make your New Year's Resolutions more enjoyable and easier to maintain.
1. Make it fun!
I sometimes feel like we wield resolution making as a tool for self-flagellation; why aren't I better at all the things?! Goals don't have to make you miserable and those are the ones that tend to get dropped in a hurry, anyway. Choosing things you're excited about will make it easier to follow through on them. Ideas might include checking out a museum in your area, planning a monthly get together with friends, finally taking that class about Vikings at your local community college, or learning to decorate cakes, rock climb, knit...whatever! The library has so many great resources to help you with your next fun goal. Check out our in-person classes on our monthly calendar here. Or check out our extensive online learning guides here .
2. Keep it realistic
It's not realistic to try to change our entire lives just because the calendar says January 1st. Nothing bums me out quicker than immediately failing at some massive goal I've set for myself. On the flip side, nothing inspires me as much as getting into a rhythm of consistent improvement, even if it seems small. I have a friend who made the goal to do two pushups a day. Obviously that's not a big goal, but the purpose of it was to help create a habit...and it has! He's kept his goal for over a year! That is a win in my book.
3. Incentivize
Is seeing a full sticker chart going to fill your bucket? Does a Diet Dr. Pepper at the end of the week bring you all kinds of joy? I find the promise of a nap after I do a thing to be hugely incentivizing. Find little ways to treat yourself for your wins and to keep yourself motivated.
4. Make it a family and/or friends affair
Including your family or a friend in your goals can be really helpful. Children are excellent at holding you accountable for things. Have you ever told your child you'd do a thing and then NOT done that thing? Years later you may still be hearing about it. And it's harder to flake on doing something when you'd also be flaking on a friend. Plus, it's usually more fun to do stuff with a pal or two.
Bonus-To get you all started, here's a freebie goal to set for the new year! You're welcome. As a librarian, I feel it my duty to include a blanket goal for everyone to read more! Before you get discouraged and say you don't have time, I absolutely include listening to audio books as reading. For those who may not have dipped their toes into audio books via your cellular device, check out the steps below to get you started!
*The Provo Library (along with most libraries in the country) uses an app called Libby for ebooks and audio books.
1. Install the Libby by OverDrive App onto your device.
2. Search for your library and sign in with your current library card (Libby can even remember more than one card and toggle between them, if you'd like). Once you've signed up, you won't need to re-enter this information again.
3. Search for a title you're interested in.
4. If the title is available, tap "Borrow." Some titles have both an audio and an e-book option so be aware of that when you're choosing. Libby will send the book to your bookshelf according to your preferences.
Once you've borrowed a title, you can go to your bookshelf to start reading or listening immediately, or you can keep browsing.
May we all find joy in the New Year and little ways to improve and enrich our lives. Cheers!
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