We’ve all made new year’s resolutions at some point. We’ve also all broken new year’s resolutions at some point. You see, a big problem with resolutions as they tend to lean too much into just putting positive intentions out in the world. They oftentimes lack proper plans, supporting systems, or an enduring sense of resolve. That’s why, pandemic aside, we typically see packed gyms in January and practically empty ones in February. And that’s why, this year, I’m focusing on establishing good habits instead.
I’ve tackled this challenge a few different ways in the past. From S.M.A.R.T. goals to guiding words, the point was to look back in 12 months and see real progress. A change that’s less about ticking a box and more about changing my manner of being. Good habits become ingrained in your way of life. And once these habits are firmly established, they become almost effortless.
And so, for 2021, I’m working both on solidifying existing habits and on building new positive habits.
Maintaining Old Habits (That Are Good)
If you manage to establish some new good habits, but at the expense of sacrificing old good habits, then it’s hard to say whether you actually came out ahead. These past few years, I’ve worked on adding at least a couple of key elements to my regular routine. I strive to keep those going through 2021 and beyond.
Read 25 Books in 2021
As I mentioned in my year in review last week, I accomplished my goal of reading at least 25 books in 2020. By year’s end, I had finished reading a total of 33 books. That’s right in line with the 33 books in 2018 and the 30 books in 2019. Given this benchmark, it probably makes more sense to set a goal around 30+ books for 2021 too. Maybe.
At the same time, I don’t want reading to become a burdensome chore that I have to do. So, I’m sticking with 25 as a goal again.
Take 8,500 Steps a Day
“Get into shape” or “be more active” are among the most common new year’s resolutions. But, they’re neither specific nor measurable enough. I’ve never been a gym person and adding running to my routine didn’t work out. Step trackers, however, have worked out well for me. I hit my daily step goal 260 times last year for a total of 2.8 million steps.
That was with a daily goal of 8,000 steps. By increasing my daily goal to 8,500 steps in 2021, I hope to make up that 200,000 step difference and hit a total of 3 million steps this year. This feels both attainable and enough of a stretch.
Forming New Habits in 2021
What gets measured gets managed. And what gets managed gets done. At least, that’s the idea behind these good habits I hope to form in 2021. I’ve decided to set the same benchmark as my step goal, hitting each of these objectives for 250 out of 365 days. That gives some wiggle room to cut myself a little slack. It’s also in line with the two-day rule.
No Screens During Lunch
Like many of you, I spend almost all day in front of some screen or another. I’m literally typing these words as I stare into a computer monitor. To give both my eyes and my brain a bit of reprieve, I aim to avoid screens altogether during my lunch break.
No Work After Dinner
In 2020, I did my best to stop working at least one hour before bedtime. This new habit for 2021 builds on that momentum. I’ve written extensively about the third shift on this blog, so I won’t dive too deep into that subject again now. Ultimately, it’s neither healthy nor sustainable. So, I’m going to do my best to put work away and try to relax between dinner and bedtime.
Ten Minutes of Stillness Per Day
Among the many takeaways I got from The Book of Joy is the importance of giving the time and space to quiet our minds. Many of us, myself included, have forgotten how to be bored. We don’t allow ourselves to do nothing anymore and I want to change that. For just 10 minutes a day, I will seek intentional nothing, doing nothing on purpose. While I wouldn’t be quite so quick to call it “meditation,” per se, the goal is for stillness. No music, no books, no other external stimulation. To be comfortable with all that glorious nothing.
Under Three Hours of Screen Time
This refers only to my smartphone. It doesn’t include my computer (which I need for work) or the TV (which I don’t watch much anyway). Part of this has to do with avoiding the “doom-scrolling” and constant comparison of social media. I want to be more comfortable being alone with my own thoughts. This will also help me be more “fully present” with those around me.
Keep a Water Bottle on Hand
I know. “Drink more water” is one of the most common of good habits to form as a new year’s resolution. To be fair, it’s a common goal for good reason. Staying hydrated carries all sorts of benefits, both physical and mental. I don’t plan on tracking my exact consumption, but the visual reminder of keeping a mug or water bottle around me all the time should help. And yes, coffee counts.
What Habits Will You Work on This Year?
So, two old habits to keep, five new habits to form. Given the year that we just endured, it didn’t seem like a good idea to set my sights too high for 2021. With these good habits, I hope to form a solid foundation on which I can lead a more joyful, less stressful life. What about you? What do you strive to achieve in 2021? Are there any good habits you hope to establish?
This sounds amazing. Opinions and perspective is a crazy thing, hey? Cuz I thought the things you listed were resolutions. But if you see them as habits, well then that works too and all the power to you! I’m disappointed with myself for not checking in with you more and cheering you on last Jan/Feb last year. I will make that a goal of mine this year to check in and cheer a bit more for you and your habit setting this year.
I love it, Michael. Well done… best of luck to you with this. I know you can accomplish it!
I feel like connotation and intention matter. Calling someone “cheap” or “stingy” could be the same as saying they’re “frugal” or “smart with their money,” but the interpretation or intent is quite different. The goal for me, so to speak, is to establish these habits so they become a part of my everyday routine not just in 2021 but for years after. Like you said, whatever works! Good luck to you too. Looking forward to reading the rest of your goals for this year.
I like the ‘no work after dinner’ rule. I really need to do that too. I’m also going to make sure I walk once per day. It’s too easy to hang around the house instead.
I’ve fallen into the trap of the “third shift” for years, because it felt necessary in order to get everything done. Maybe it was. But maybe it’s also about setting rules, boundaries and limitations.