Ditch Resolutions and Thrive in the New Year
At the beginning of every new year, many of us make resolutions that revolve around our weight or our appearance. Having made these same goals, this year I decided that that isn't enough. I don't just want to lose weight. I don't just want to look good in a pair of jeans. I don't want to make the same resolution I have made every year since puberty!
This year, I say forget about making just one goal. Instead, I am choosing one word that I will focus on in 2017: THRIVE.
According to Google, the definition of THRIVE is "to grow or develop well or vigorously; to prosper or flourish." I intend to try and do just that in all areas of my life this year.
Working On Me:
Self confidence is one area where I want to thrive the most. Someone who feels empowered and successful can accomplish anything and overcome obstacles in their path. Getting beyond the anxiety, worries, and fears in my own head will help me to believe in and achieve my goals.Parenting:
I like to consider myself a pretty good mom, but we can all find ways to improve. I know I can do better with managing my expectations and teaching my kids to believe in themselves. In this age of helicopter moms (yes I am one), I want my children to know that they can and should learn be self reliant. By letting them start making their own choices and be more independent, I hope to help them grow and thrive as well.Time Management:
This is by far one of my weakest areas. Working from home does come with a lot of distractions, and I often lose focus. I need to make a plan and stick to it to make sure I am using my time wisely. Maybe this way I can start going to sleep before 2am!Health:
We need to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into our daily lives. I know what needs to be done, and have done it before for myself; but now I want to teach my family and make these lifestyle changes a habit for all of us. I do not want my children to grow up struggling with weight and health issues like I did, so teaching them early is key.Family Time:
We do spend a lot of time together as a family; but school and extracurricular activities keep us running. As the kids get older, I know it is just going to get worse. I want to make sure that we always take the time to enjoy each other's company and make memories in the everyday. This year I hope to have more opportunities to travel and go on adventures together as well.Blogging:
I enjoy working from home and getting to write about the things and people I love. In 2017, I am going to learn to be a better blogger by attending conferences and webinars, meeting with mentors, and hitting the books. The world is always growing and changing, and I want to make sure I am too. This year I am going to THRIVE in all areas of my life. Succeeding and flourishing takes work and isn't always easy, but I am committed to taking the steps necessary to make it happen. How will you THRIVE in 2017?
I love this I have never heard of doing a “word of the year” until earlier today & think it is brilliant. Already made my goals this year but definitely need to keep this in mind for next year.
Great job setting goals already Jessica. Using a word is just to keep me focused, everyone does what is best for them!
I like this idea. Resolutions are kind of hard for me to keep up but I can come up with a few things, like you, that I want to do better or rather, thrive in, this year! Happy New Year!
Thanks Katriza. Definitely important to find something you can stick to and continue
I love that word! And these are great goals. Hopefully, my family and I, our career, and my blog will thrive this year. Wishing the same thing for you.
Belle | One Awesome Momma
I love your word for 2017, and I think you are the first one I have seen that has chosen that word. I think it is a really great choice, and I hope that in 2017 I will thrive in my health goals and my business as well as my personal life.
Thank you Julie! Good luck thriving in your life, hopefully we will both see some great developments
I think you have chosen a great word for 2017. My word is ACTION, as I spent a lot of 2016 reading and taking courses to grow my business. Now it’s time to implement all my education!
Time management is definitely one of the areas where I also struggle. It can be overwhelming to try to juggle everything during the week and I’m definitely working on it this year.
Time management is a biggie, right? Its something that can make or break a day or a whole routine. I am all about being mindful about this…
I am not a big resolution person myself so I like this idea a lot. Who needs resolutions when you can set an intention and make real changes in your life?!
I totally agree Angela. Real change is what sticks, especially when you are trying to grow and develop
I like the word Thrive – I think this picking a word for the new year is such a good idea- it can keep you focused in all the decisions you make that year.
A friend of mine just shared her tradition for picking one word for the year, kind of as a theme. I plan to just keep on keeping on and taking things one day at a time. Thrive is a really good word btw!
Wonderful word and the list you have is well thought out. I struggle with time management and ADD. What a combination!
Thank you Terri. I have some big goals but taking them step by step should help so I don’t get too overwhelmed!
I will thrive by taking better care of myself. I spent all of last year going through a divorce, moving, and STRESSED beyond belief!
That is a great goal and a great name! I hope this year goes better for you and you can focus on yourself some
These are all really great goals. You have a great word for the year too. I didn’t do a word because I couldn’t find one that really summed everything up.
Thanks Holly. It is hard to sum up goals into one word, but I do think this one covers most of what I’m hoping to achieve.
Thrive is a great word choice. I love the way you’ve written these. I think resolutions are great but that they should be part of stepping stones to something bigger. I love that you included working on me, it’s so important.
Thrive is a great word for the new year! I love these one word intentions for the year. I finally have one…calm!
I LOVE the word thrive. Such a good one. I need to think of a word for me to focus on this year. I dont really do resolutions or really anything differently once the new year comes but think a word would be fun.
Love your choice of a word. Thrive. Wow. It can really be hard if you let life get to you and get you down. I should really focus on this over time too!
I’ve also ditched Resolutions and couldn’t agree more. This year I’m going to focus on myself more and Set little goals. I did this towards the end of 2016 and made me feel so much more motivated.
Thanks so much for the motivation! New Year’s Resolutions are often those goals that we set, but never actually commit to. The overall concept of thriving in the New Year seems like a much more effective strategy. Great post!
Yes, it helps that I am saying them to all of you so that I feel like I’m being more accountable.
I love the way you phrase this. I get intimidated by new year’s resolutions. I love the idea of thinking of ways I can thrive instead. This year I really want to focus more on being a loving parent to my kids. I want to find ways to show them how much I love them.
Happy New Year to you!
You have amazing resolutions! You can achieve them, I believe in you!
Thank you so much for the vote of confidence!
great goals! It is hard as a mom to find the balance and maintain it. But writing this down and putting them out there in the universe is always a great start. Happy 2017!
Thank you, balance is definitely the hardest part. Happy 2017 to you too
Thrive, I like that word. It means growth and progress. It’s perfect for people who would like to improve their lives this year. I hope you achieve all your goals and have a great year! Last year was pretty challenging for me and my family. Hopefully this year will be kinder to us all.
I am crazy about time management. I make a schedule every morning that plans out my day to a T. It’s pretty crazy but I get more done that way…my downfall is if something random comes up because I kinda go OCD if I can’t fit it into my daily schedule. But I’m working on that as well.
That is amazing, I wish I was that organized.
I love your word! I chose Margin this year. Hopefully I can remember to build white space into my days. It seems like we are always running, either trying to get blog stuff done or trying to get homeschooling done, or getting the kids to an activity. I need a nap! Good luck with your word this year!
That is a very good point, I rarely have time to just sit and enjoy without stressing that I am sitting for too long!
Yes! I’ve ditched resolutions because they never work out for me. I love THRIVE!
Did you know that resolutions date back 4000 years to the ancient Babylonians? Today 80% of people fail at their resolutions but there must be a reason we are drawn to this promise. We all strive to be better every day and there’s nothing wrong with that. No need to put too much pressure on yourself but we can all resolve to evolve. XO
I had no idea they had been around so long. Definitely never a good idea to put too much pressure on yourself.
I have the same goals as you dear. Thriving to be a better me, mom, wife, friend, blogger ….all so very important. There is always room for improvement right?
That is great. Yes, there is always room for improvement!