It’s a new year, and that means I’m a new person!
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Or so I like to pretend. Every New Year’s, I reflect on all I did and didn’t do in the previous year, and then I come up with a few resolutions for me to focus on in the next year. I always approach the new year with false confidence, like I’m about to transform everything I am and am not. Like it’s that easy.
So, okay, I probably won’t become a marathon runner and bestselling author in the next 12 months. I mean, never say never, I suppose. But I know myself and my limits, and, if you recall, I barely survived last year’s resolutions and running my 5K. (I say “running” very loosely here.)
But that’s not going to stop me from coming in hot this year and pushing myself to be better. So let’s get into it: my New Year’s resolutions.
1. More Activity.
Every year, like a lot of people, I always commit to exercising more. Last year, I utilized the SMART goal mindset and came up with a very specific aim to run a 5K. I sort of succeeded at that. (Admittedly, I walked most of it.) So this year, we’re going to see if staying vague is actually the secret. Vaguely, I want more movement in my life.
I’m talking yoga classes. I’m talking long walks after work. And I’ve already made a tangible commitment to this goal!
Last night at 9 p.m., I put together a stationary bike. Dragging it into the spare bedroom, I convinced myself that I will hop on it first thing after work today.
Now, will that happen? TBD. But I like to think I’m going to enjoy it. I started biking a few months ago, right before it got too cold to bike outside, and I miss it. The idea is that I can do the same thing from the comfort of my mini, in-progress home gym. We shall see.
2. More Adventures.
I was lucky this year; I traveled a lot. I hung out in New York City for eight hours — a bucket list item — and lazed around California for a week. I faced my flying fears and flew solo for the first time. It was awesome!
But also, I experienced a lot of little one-day adventures. I hit Johnson’s Shut-Ins and enjoyed a float trip. I even took a blacksmithing class! These days had good vibes. I enjoyed every bit of it, and I want to have more of these little excursions and experiences in 2026.
3. More Hobbies.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about rediscovering my creative side. I’ve been junk-journaling and scrapbooking along with the best of them. In 2026, I want to focus on these hobbies and push myself to do more with my free time than simply scrolling on my phone or staring at the TV.
Getting back into reading is a big part of this. I love stopping by the local library and reading as much as I can when the mood hits. This year, I want to challenge myself to read more books. Any minute I spend on social media is a minute I could be reading, right?
And I’d like to discover a new hobby, too. Maybe I’ll return to the piano; I used to be a ferocious, devoted player. Or maybe I’ll try something completely new. I’m still deciding what I should attempt. If you’ve got suggestions, let’s hear them in the comments.
Whether I actually stick to my resolutions or not is yet to be seen, but I feel accomplished just by making them. The New Year is kind of arbitrary, but it does feel like a good moment to stop and reflect on what I want to do and who I want to be. We’ll see where 2026 takes us, but I’m determined for us all to have a good year.
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