We have all tried writing New Year’s resolutions but do they really not last past February, like the naysayers say?
A New Year of Possibilities
Regardless, I am still writing mine out. I love writing out a list of all the possibilities in store for me for the year to come. On January first, I will write out all the things I hope that on New Year’s eve of next year I can say that I have accomplished. I will write down how many books I will have written and published, how many trips I went on with my family and friends, and how many hikes I hiked through the wildernesses I can’t wait to explore. I will think about all the things I would like to accomplish over the next year and I will write them down and resolve to do them.
A Reverse Resolution List
But why wait until next New Year’s Eve of 2025 to make a list of all the things I may or may not have done next year. What if I wrote down all the things I have already accomplished this year. It’s called a Reverse New Year’s Resolution list.
What did you do this (last) year?
I think a Reverse Resolution list is a fabulous way to reflect on the past year and maybe even give yourself a pat on the back for everything you did accomplish after February of 2024. It’s not like you crawled into a hole and hid all year. You did stuff even if it wasn’t on your list on January 1st. So pull out your pen and have fun thinking about all the great things you did this year.
Just answer a few questions
To create your Reverse Resolution list begin by thinking back over the last year and asking yourself the following questions:
- What new things did I try?
- What projects did I complete, even if they were unfinished or imperfect?
- What relationships did I nurture or strengthen?
- What challenges did I face, and how did I overcome them?
- What mistakes did I make, and what did I learn from them?
You’ll be surprised at how much progress you can find when you step back and reflect.
Be Specific
As you write down your list, be as specific as possible. Instead of saying, “I got in better shape,” say, “I started the year walking 1 mile a week and ended the year walking 5 miles a week.” Even if you aren’t consistent with your new thing, writing your attempts at trying something new can be just as important. “I made an attempt to walk 5 miles a week and ended up averaging 5 miles a month but I am getting outside and walking twice as much as I did the year before.”
Don’t forget to include personal growth, mental health, and emotional victories.
Build off your list for next year
A reverse New Year’s resolution list helps you reflect on past achievements you’ve made over the year and gives you a strong base to set realistic, achievable goals on for the year to come. It not only encourages you start off the new year with gratitude but let’s you build your New Year’s resolution’s list (if you choose to make one) from a firm foundation of your past growth instead of starting from scratch.
Celebrate
A reverse resolution lists reminds you to celebrate all you’ve done and let that momentum carry you into 2025 with confidence and clarity.
Share
Share your reverse New Year’s resolutions list in the comments below or on social media. Together we can create a community of shared growth and support.