The excitement of a new year brings with it countless resolutions and fresh goals. However, by the end of January, many of these well-intentioned promises tend to fall by the wayside. As a New Years Resolution nerd who always sets way too many, here’s are three small bits of wisdom shared with me to carry forward: recommitting each month can help you stay on track. Resolutions are not an all-or-nothing endeavor—they’re about self-improvement, and any positive step forward is a success. Involving your family keeps all motivated.
Sharing these resolutions with your children can be a powerful experience. It demonstrates that growth is a lifelong journey and encourages them to set and work toward their own goals. Plus, there’s no better accountability partner than a child eager to remind you of your promises! Below are some common types of resolutions and practical ways to recommit throughout the year.
1. Fitness Goals: Keep Moving Forward
You don’t need a strict gym schedule to make progress in your fitness journey. Incorporate simple activities into your daily life:
- Home Stretching & Meditation: Start small with stretching or meditation at home, which helps release tension and build flexibility.
- Gym Fun for Kids: Build up the kids' room at the gym. When your child starts asking to go to the gym so they can play, it becomes a win-win—they enjoy social opportunity, and you stay motivated.
- Family Fitness Activities: Join your kids for YouTube fitness activities, which also double as excellent energy outlets on cold winter days. Try dance challenges or fun workout videos together.
- Outdoor Adventures: On good weather days, go for walks around the neighborhood or park.
2. Financial Wellness: Teach and Grow Together
Financial fitness doesn’t mean giving up all luxury—it’s about creating meaningful habits and teaching valuable lessons.
- Family Financial Meetings: Hold monthly meetings and involve your children in conversations about budgeting. Use visual tools to track progress toward family savings goals.
- Bank Books for Kids: Create a simple check register for your children’s savings. Help them visualize their money and divide it for different goals by using bubble charts to count their savings, or count down how much to save to get something special.
- Savings Challenges: Encourage children to save for items or experiences they want.
- Professional Advice: Seek out financial professionals. Local father, Justin Elliott a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual offers free consultations and helps families think creatively about financial preparedness. Contact Justin for a free consultation!
3. Organization & Limiting Waste: Small Steps Lead to Big Wins
Organization is best achieved through gradual changes rather than overwhelming overhauls.
- Decluttering Challenge: Commit to removing two IKEA-size bags of items from your home each week in February. Sort for recycling, consignment, donation, or a future garage sale. In March, focus on clearing garage/shed. In April, invest in storage solutions. Every month, set a new goal.
- Inventory Management: Create inventories for your freezer, pantry, hygiene, and cleaning supplies. Keeping this in a Google Sheet allows you to track what you need and use up existing items.
- Recycling as a Family Task: Even if your home doesn’t have recycling services, start small by sorting one category, like plastics. Sorting can be a fun and educational task for kids.
4. Family Time & Hobby Exploration: Create Meaningful Connections
Family time doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive to be memorable.
- Share Hobbies: Introduce your children to your interests. They may take over the hobby, creating more opportunities for shared enjoyment.
- Big vs. Small Activities: Big outings create impressive memories, but small moments build lasting bonds. Lean into simple traditions and everyday activities.
- Kitchen Fun: Establish weekly meal traditions like Homemade Pizza Friday, Taco Tuesday, or Pancake Sunday. Involve the kids in cooking.
- Gardening & Yard Work: Start a family garden and include kids in planting and yard maintenance.
- Creative Projects: Make family artwork to hang on the walls or read novels together as a family.
Final Thought: Resolutions as a Lifelong Journey
Remember, resolutions are about striving to be better—not achieving perfection. By recommitting each month and involving your family, you can turn these goals into lasting habits and cherished memories. Let this year be one where positive growth takes center stage, and joy follows every step forward.
