Starting something new is always an opportunity for change. A new day, a new week, a new month… and above all a new year. New Year’s resolutions are a sign that we want to change something in our lives – and the turn of a new year provides the right framework.

But what is a good New Year’s resolution? What to promise – and what not to promise?

New Year’s resolutions: fun and games, or something more serious

New Year’s resolutions look the part of the giver. 

New Year’s resolutions are made in a merry group, in secret whispers or as a last straw. In this article, we focus more on those lighthearted New Year’s resolutions that are not a matter of life and death.

What is a good goal?

The nature of a good New Year’s resolution can be explored by thinking about what makes a good goal. People often talk about SMART goals, which is a very good lens through which to analyze your targets.

The SMART goal is:

– Specific

– Measurable

– Achievable

– Relevant

– Time-bound

The idea is that when a goal has all these characteristics, it is not only easier to achieve, but achieving it also has some meaning.

Examples of the best New Year’s resolutions

The best New Year’s resolution is one that fits your life now. New Year’s resolutions are not a competition in which the noblest goal wins. You can promise something small, something big, or promise nothing at all.

New Year’s resolutions are often linked to some positive change:

These big New Year’s resolutions can certainly guide you as the calendar year changes and you start to act on them. Maybe your phone rings and you remember “oh yeah, this year I was going to be a better friend”. Or rather, a message pops up in your Whatsapp group conversation that you would normally ignore.

However, such a big New Year’s resolution can be easier to forget. What does it mean to be more present? What is healthier eating?

What if you made a SMART resolution?

New Year’s resolutions do not need to be turned into efficiency super-pledges. You can promise to touch the bark of a pine tree, or touch the end of your nose every time you see the best of cars, a white beetle.

If you have a goal you’d like to achieve anyway, you can try making a SMART resolution. Take, for example, eating healthier. This is what the SMART resolution could look like:

SMART New Year’s resolution

I promise

– Specific

reduce soft drinks

– Measurable

to one quarter

– Achievable

from the current amount

– Relevant

to make me feel better

– Time-bound

from January 2023 until December 2023

If you know that you always drink a can of Coke on Saturday mornings, such a goal would mean that you would drink one can once a month on Saturday mornings. 

It may be that, in addition to a promise, you should think about what kind of habits to associate with your New Year’s resolutions. You can also turn the resolution to focus on the positive.

SMART New Year’s resolution

I promise

– Specific

enjoy sparkling water instead of a soft drink

– Measurable

a quarter of the times compared to

– Achievable

the current amount

– Relevant

to make me feel better

– Time-bound

from January 2023 until December 2023

In this case, the focus is on what you get, not what you lose.

New Year’s resolutions deserve compassion

New Year’s resolutions should be tailored to your needs and you should be prepared to forget them by Epiphany. If you really need help, you should seek it with the help of a professional – especially if you feel that your own resources are not enough.

If you’re looking for small, harmless New Year’s resolutions, here are a few more ideas:

Promise what you promise, but promise not to take it too seriously!